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Ci Cygni Since The 1980 Eclipse, R. E. Stencel, Andrew G. Michalitsianos, Menas Kafatos

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Books and Book Chapters

Following the 1980 eclipse of the 855 day period symbiotic binary CI Cyg, we were confronted with a data set showing high excitation resonance lines which were largely uneclipsed but brightening on an orbital timescale, and intercombination lines exhibiting pronounced but nontotal eclipses and which were fading on an orbital timescale. Our model invoked a low density dissipating nebula surrounding the hot companion to explain the intercombination lines, and a shock between stellar winds to interpret the resonance lines. Subsequent synoptic observations have revealed continuing changes in the W emission line fluxes, consistent with those described above, except for the …