V39: an unusual object in the field of IC 1613
arXiv:astro-ph/0204382 · doi:10.1051/0004-6361:20020562
Abstract
The variable star V39 in the field of IC 1613 is discussed in the light of the available photometric and new spectroscopic data. It has strong emission Balmer lines, and the observed characteristics could be explained by a W Vir pulsating star with a period of 14.341 d, located at more than 115 kpc, that is in the very outer halo of our Galaxy. It should have an apparent companion, a long period (1118d) red variable, belonging to IC 1613. The main uncertainty in this interpretation is an emission feature at 668.4 nm, which we tentatively identified as a He I line.
5 pages; accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics