A new look into the spectral and light variations of epsilon Aur

TL;DR

This paper analyzes spectral and photometric data of epsilon Aur, revealing larger uncertainties in its orbital elements, complex emission behaviors, and possible episodic mass transfer events, challenging previous assumptions.

Contribution

It provides a new detailed analysis of epsilon Aur's spectral and light variations, highlighting larger uncertainties and suggesting episodic mass transfer.

Findings

Orbital elements have larger uncertainties than previously believed.

H alpha emission mainly moves with the F primary, but its exact location needs further investigation.

Evidence of strong absorption and reddening during eclipse's third contact.

Abstract

Investigating long series of spectral and photometric observations, we found that the orbital elements of epsilon Aur are subject to much larger uncertainties than usually believed. The H alpha emission is found to move basically with the F primary but its exact location should still be investigated. We also find strong additional absorption and large reddening of the object near the third contact during the eclipse. Episodic atmospheric mass transfer from the F primary towards its companion is tentatively suggested.