Boehm-Vitense, E. — Page 2

NASA NTRS1979

On the energy distribution in Sirius B

A spectrum of Sirius B in the wavelength region 1100-1900 A taken with the IUE satellite shows an absolute flux and spectral energy distribution in the continuum in agreement with theoretical white-dwarf models with T(eff) of 26,000 K plus or minus 1000 K for log g equals 8.65 and R equals 5.08 x 10 to the 8th cm. The Lyman-alpha profile is also in agreement with these parameters. No obvious emission lines in the spectrum of Sirius B or A which could indicate the presence of a chromosphere or corona in either of the stars are observed.

Boehm-Vitense, E.↗

NASA NTRS1979

The energy distribution of Sirius B

The origin of the X-ray emission observed from the DA white dwarf Sirius B is investigated on the basis of low-resolution short wavelength IUE spectrum. Following a correction for the influence of scattered light from Sirius A, the intensity distribution of Sirius B is obtained as a function of wavelength. Comparison of the continuous energy distribution with model atmosphere energy distributions indicates an effective temperature of 25,500 K, which is not high enough to explain the observed X rays as normal photospheric radiation. In addition, with the exception of an unusual feature in the neighborhood of the C I 1657 line, no clear evidence is found of emission lines indicative of a corona, chromosphere or disk, and the origin of the X rays remains unknown.

Boehm-Vitense, E.↗