Rapid continuum level variability in Be stars earlier than B2

Abstract

H-alpha profiles for 12 Be stars and four standard stars were obtained on six nights in January and February, 1988, in order to search for rapid spectral variability in these stars. The results show that the Be stars earlier than B2 display rapid continuum level variability. It is suggested that these variations may be due to interactions between nonradial pulsations and background-radiation driven wind associated with the Be stars. These interactions may inject variable plasma into the circumstellar envelope, leading to rapid and irregular rapid continuum level variations.