INT 9512791 Richards This U.S.-Czech research project between Dr. Mercedes Richards of the University of Virginia and Dr. Pavel Koubsky of the Astronomical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences will focus on testing the utility of a proposed model for binary Be stars (B-type stars with emission lines). If they are successful, results should contribute to a unifying picture of two classes of Be stars, eclipsing Algols (typically viewed edge-on, in the orbital plane) and non-eclipsing Algols. In this effort, the researchers will undertake extensive optical and ultraviolet spectroscopic studies of classical Algols to interpret the spectra of non-eclipsing Algol candidates. They expect to prove that the present apparent paucity of non-eclipsing Algols is a selection effect. Overall, these findings should increase our understanding of the three-dimensional structure of circumstellar matter in these interacting binaries, above and beneath the orbital plane. This project in stellar astronomy fulfills the program objective of advancing basic scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in the United States and Eastern Europe to combine complementary talents and pool research resources in areas of mutual interest and competence. ??
