The UV spectrum of the WC 11 star CPD -56 deg 8032

Abstract

UV observations of the WC 11 central star of the compact planetary nebula CPD -56 deg 8032 show that the continuum flux is variable. This variability appears to be caused by a change in the circumstellar extinction properties. The UV energy distribution can be fitted with helium star models with T(eff) about 25000 K, after correcting for two types of reddening: (1) E(B-V) about 0.4 using Seaton's (1979) reddening curve applicable to diffuse interstellar medium; (2) E(B-V) about 0.25 to 0.30 using the reddening curve defined by the laboratory extinction properties of amorphous carbon grains of Bussolletti et al. (1987). The stellar wind mass loss is estimated from the P-Cygni profile of C II 1760.6 from the high resolutions IUE spectrum. Similarities with other WC 11 stars are discussed.