Search for rapid V/R variability in Eta CEN

Abstract

In order to search for rapid V/R variability in the Be star, Eta Cen, a series of H-alpha profiles of this star were observed on three nights between May 28 and June 3, 1986. A method of estimating the standard deviation value (sigma) of V/R ratio measurements is described. From the results of the H-alpha profiles, it was found that few profiles displayed rapid V/R variations which were beyond the 3-sigma limit, with no rapid variations of equivalent widths and peak separations of the two emission components. It was also found that rapid V/R and radial velocity variations of the H-alpha profiles were in close agreement. Low-amplitude night-to-night variations of the V/R ratio were also present in Eta Cen during the interval of the observations.