The Spectrum of CH Cygni - a Search for Rapid Line Variations

Abstract

The spectacular changes of CH Cyg spectrum during the last period of activity and the flickering in short wavelength light suggest the possibility of rapid line variations (Walker et al.,1969). In November 1982 a series of spectral observations has been accomplished at Rozhen Observatory to investigate the subject.In that period the spectrum of CH Cyg is dominated by type A shell lines. They are supposed to originate in an accretion disk surrounding the hot star of the binary system. The flickering in the optical wavelengths is characteristic for CH Cyg during periods of activity. Evidently it is related with the mass transfer. The investigation of its origin and relations with the other observational characteristics of the star could elucidate the accretion mechanism in this system.