The Onset of Quasi-Periodic Variations in Be Stars

Abstract

We present some evidence of the quasi-periodic long-term variations (QPLV) in the violet-to-red ratio of double-peaked emission lines (V/R variation) and/or in the radial velocities of shell absorption lines for some Be stars. Although the V/R variations are rather prevailing phenomena among Be stars, the QPLV is remarkable by the following characteristics: (1)The QPLV appears as a sudden onset of repeated V/R variations after a long (10 years), almost stable period, and it persists for a few or several periods in ten or more years.(2)The period and amplitude of V/R variations change from cycle to cycle and from star to star. The variations of radial velocities (RV) of shell absorption lines are usually nearly parallel with the V/R variations.(3)The QPLV appears usually in early type Be stars with large rotational velocities, regardless whether the stars are normal Be or shell stars, and whether they are close-binaries or single stars.