Dr Kenyon has researched and assembled here all the existing data for the known symbiotic stars, in which a dwarf star accretes material from its red giant companion. In this book he summarises observational material covering the eruptive and quiescent phases of these objects, and emphasises the important astrophysical problems raised and resolved by results at infrared, optical, radio, ultraviolet and X-ray wavelengths. Physical models for the eruptive and quiescent phases and the long-term evolution of symbiotic stars are discussed, with the goal of developing observational diagnostics that serve to test the basic theories. The book concludes with a detailed appendix and bibliography that will aid researchers interested in the history of individual symbiotic systems and confirm this volume as an indispensable handbook at any observatory where research on stellar objects in undertaken.
Contents
Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. The quiescent phase - theory; 3. The quiescent phase - observations; 4. The outburst phase - theory; 5. The outburst phase - observations; 6. The formation and evolution of symbiotic stars; 7. Epilogue; References; Appendix; Subject Index; Individual Stars.
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