Context. Luminosities of hot components in symbiotic binaries require accretion rates that are higher than those that can be achieved via a standard Bondi-Hoyle accretion. This implies that the wind mass transfer in symbiotic binaries has to be more efficient. Aims. We suggest that the accretion rate onto the white dwarfs (WDs) in S-type symbiotic binaries can be enhanced sufficiently by focusing the wind from their slowly rotating normal giants towards the binary orbital plane. Methods. We applied the wind compression model to the stellar wind of slowly rotating red giants in S-type symbiotic binaries. Results. Our analysis reveals that for typical terminal velocities of the giant wind, 20 to 50 km s −1 , and measured rotational velocities between 6 and 10 km s −1 , the densities of the compressed wind at a typical distance of the accretor from its donor correspond to the mass-loss rate, which can be a factor of ∼10 higher than for the spherically symmetric wind. This allows the WD to accrete at rates of 10 −8 −10 −7 M yr −1 , and thus to power its luminosity. Conclusions. We show that the high wind-mass-transfer efficiency in S-type symbiotic stars can be caused by compression of the wind from their slowly rotating normal giants, whereas in D-type symbiotic stars, the high mass transfer ratio can be achieved via the gravitational focusing, which has recently been suggested for very slow winds in Mira-type binaries.

Context. The wind mass transfer from a giant to its white dwarf companion in symbiotic binaries is not well understood. For example, the efficiency of wind mass transfer of the canonical Bondi-Hoyle accretion mechanism is too low to power the typical luminosities of the accretors. However, recent observations and modelling indicate a considerably more efficient mass transfer in symbiotic binaries. Aims. We determine the velocity profile of the wind from the giant at the near-orbital-plane region of eclipsing S-type symbiotic binaries EG And and SY Mus, and derive the corresponding spherical equivalent of the mass-loss rate. With this approach, we indicate the high mass transfer ratio. Methods. We achieved this aim by modelling the observed column densities taking into account ionization of the wind of the giant, whose velocity profile is derived using the inversion of Abel's integral operator for the hydrogen column density function. Results. Our analysis revealed the spherical equivalent of the mass-loss rate from the giant to be a few times 10 −6 M yr −1 , which is a factor of > ∼ 10 higher than rates determined by methods that do not depend on the line of sight. This discrepancy rules out the usual assumption that the wind is spherically symmetric. As our values were derived from near-orbital-plane column densities, these values can be a result of focusing the wind from the giant towards the orbital plane. Conclusions. Our findings suggests that the wind from giants in S-type symbiotic stars is not spherically symmetric, since it is enhanced at the orbital plane and, thus, is accreted more effectively onto the hot component.

Context. AX Per is an eclipsing symbiotic binary. During active phases, deep narrow minima are observed in its light curve, and the ionization structure in the binary changes significantly. From ∼2007.5, AX Per entered a new active phase. Aims. We aim to derive the ionization structure in the binary and its changes during the recent active phase. Methods. We used optical high-and low-resolution spectroscopy and UBVR C I C photometry. We modeled the SED in the optical and broad wings of the Hα line profile during the 2007-10 higher level of the AX Per activity. Results. After 10 orbital cycles (∼18.6 years), we again measured the eclipse of the hot component by its giant companion in the light curve. We derived a radius of 27 ± 2 R for the eclipsed object and 115 ± 2 R for the eclipsing cool giant. The new active phase was connected with a significant enhancement of the hot star wind. From quiescence to activity, the mass-loss rate increased from ∼9 × 10 −8 to ∼3 × 10 −6 M yr −1 , respectively. The wind causes the emission of the He ++ zone, located in the vicinity of the hot star, and also is the reason for the fraction of the [O iii] zone at farther distances. Simultaneously, we identified a variable optically thick warm (T eff ∼ 6000 K) source that contributes markedly to the composite spectrum. The source was located at the hot star's equator and has the form of a flared disk, whose outer rim simulates the warm photosphere. Conclusions. The formation of the neutral disk-like zone around the accretor during the active phase was connected with its enhanced wind. It is probable that this connection represents a common origin of the warm pseudophotospheres that are indicated during the active phases of symbiotic stars.