Structure in the winds of O-Type stars: observations and inferences

Abstract

AbstractThis review describes the observational evidence for structure in the winds of O-type stars due to large-scale perturbations and small-scale inhomogeneities. Despite considerable progress, a comprehensive theoretical framework that explains the origin. properties, and coexistence of wind structure on different spatial scales has yet to be constructed and incorporated into model atmosphere analyses. Consequently, it is not yet possible to assess the effect of non-stationary structures on different wind diagnostics in a rigorous way, with the result that accurate empirical determinations of mass-loss rates remain elusive.