Interacting Binaries as Be Stars

Abstract

AbstractSemidetached close binary stars of the Algol type often have primary components of spectral type A0 or earlier and display emission at Hα (sometimes also at higher Balmer lines). They are therefore Be stars. Many binaries of this type are not eclipsing and must look like “ordinary” Be stars. We have discovered high-ionization emission lines of N V, C IV, Si IV, Fe III, etc. in the ultraviolet spectra of totally eclipsing Algols. They probably originate in circumstellar turbulent regions at fairly high electron temperatures, of the order of 100 000 K. They are not detectable in most non-eclipsing systems, but may be there and may play an important role in the dynamics of accretion and mass outflow from the systems.