Spectroscopic Analysis of Objects with non-Spherical Envelopes

University Of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT Hillier, Desmond "Spectroscopic Analysis of Objects with non-Spherical Envelopes" AST-9987390 In this project a non-equilibrium multi-dimensional program will be created to model the spectra of astrophysical objects with non-spherical geometry, such as Be stars, T Tauri stars, Wolf-Rayet stars, binary stars, novae, supernovae and quasars. The code developed in this project will provide an important diagnostic tool to analyze the data collected with ground- and space-based telescopes at non-optical wavelengths. Such multi-wavelength observations are essential to sample different physical regions of stellar envelopes from which the geometry and structure can be reconstructed. Initial work will concentrate on the development of general models with axial symmetry, outflow and rotation of circumstellar material. The effects of polarization and more complicated geometry will be incorporated in the later stages of the project. Funding for this project was provided by the NSF program for Stellar Astronomy & Astrophysics (AST/SAA