Modeling the Complete Lightcurve of omega CMa

TL;DR

This study models the entire lightcurve of the Be star omega CMa using radiative transfer, capturing both disk formation and dissipation phases to understand its long-term photometric behavior.

Contribution

First comprehensive modeling of a Be star's full lightcurve including both disk build-up and dissipation phases.

Findings

Derived detailed mass decretion rate histories for all four cycles.

Achieved good fit between model and observed photometric data.

Provided insights into long- and short-term stellar mass loss variations.

Abstract

We have used the radiative transfer code HDUST to analyze and interpret the long-term photometric behavior of the Be star omega CMa, considering four complete cycles of disk formation and dissipation. This is the first time in which a full lightcurve of a Be star was investigated and modeled including both disk build-up and dissipation phases. Based on the quite good fit of the observed data we were able to derive the history of stellar mass decretion rates (including long- and short-term changes) during the disk formation and dissipation phases in all four cycles.