Hα Line Variations in the Herbig Ae Type Star HD179218

Abstract

We present the results of spectral observations of the Herbig Ae/Be star HD179218. We discovered a wave-like variation in the parameters of the Hα line emission component with a typical time scale of about 40 days. The observed wave is characterized by a significant decrease in the measured line parameters, with conspicuous branches of increasing and decreasing parameters. Simultaneously, additional blue and red emission and absorption components appear and disappear in the Hα line profile during the moment of minimum. The observed variations in the spectrum of the star may be explained by the existence of polar winds and accretion, or by assuming that the star is a binary system.