Interpreting the simultaneous variability of near-IR continuum and line emission in young stellar objects

TL;DR

This study analyzes near-infrared spectra of PV Cep to understand how accretion and mass loss influence its variable continuum and line emissions during different activity states.

Contribution

It provides new simultaneous IR spectra and photometry of PV Cep, linking variability to accretion and mass loss mechanisms in young stellar objects.

Findings

Accretion and mass loss dominate the variability of PV Cep.

Correlations between emission lines and continuum reveal underlying physical processes.

Observational methods effectively disentangle variability mechanisms.

Abstract

We present new near-infrared (IR) spectra (0.80-1.35um) of the pre-Main Sequence source PV Cep taken during a monitoring program of eruptive variables we are conducting since some years. Simultaneous photometric and spectroscopic observations are systematically carried out during outburst and quiescence periods. By correlating extinction-free parameters, such as HI recombination lines and underlying continuum, it is possible to infer on the mechanism(s) responsible for their origin. Accretion and mass loss processes have a dominant role in determining the PV Cep irregular variability of both continuum and line emission. The potentialities of the observational modality are also discussed.