Abstract
The broad, steep-sided absorption lines in B-type supergiant spectra are stronger than the absorption lines in main-sequence stars. In addition to lines from the second, third and fourth spectra of the light elements and the metals there is a broad, pointed feature at 1720 A which has constant strength in the B-type supergiants regardless of spectral type. The complete identification of this blend is not known. At high resolution the ultraviolet resonance lines of C iv, N v, Si hi and Si iv in the spectra of OB supergiants are shortward displaced by velocities up to 1800 km s-1 indicating the presence of an escaping atmosphere. At type B5 the expanding atmosphere is moving at about 120 km s-1 which means that the material is probably brought to rest before it escapes from the star. Evidence is presented of the presence of a stationary shell around the B5Ia supergiant q Canis Majoris as well as a slowly expanding atmosphere.
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Schedule a callMore From: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series A, Mathematical and Physical Sciences
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