Abstract
We present interferometric observations of the Be star ¿ Tau
obtained using the MIRC beam combiner at the CHARA Array. We resolved
the disk during four epochs in 2007-2009. We fit the data with a
geometric model to characterize the circumstellar disk as a skewed
elliptical Gaussian and the central Be star as a uniform disk. The
visibilities reveal a nearly edge-on disk with an FWHM major axis of
~1.8 mas in the H band. The non-zero closure phases indicate an
asymmetry within the disk. Interestingly, when combining our results
with previously published interferometric observations of ¿ Tau, we
find a correlation between the position angle of the disk and the
spectroscopic V/R ratio, suggesting that the tilt of the disk is
precessing. This work is part of a multi-year monitoring campaign to
investigate the development and outward motion of asymmetric structures
in the disks of Be stars.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1838-1849 |
Journal | The Astronomical Journal |
Volume | 140 |
Issue number | 6 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2010 |