Evidence for Mass Loss at Polar Latitudes in ω Ori and 66 Oph

Abstract

IUE observations of the “pole-on” Be stars ω Ori and 66 Oph have revealed the unexpected presence of high velocity (v ≃ −750 km s−1), relatively narrow (Δλ ≃ 1A) absorption components in the resonance lines of C IV, Si III, and Si IV. The C IV features show structure indicative of multiple shells or clouds. Similar high velocity lines were not observed in other pole-on Be stars considered in the program. The nature of these unusual features and the column densities and mass loss rates implied by them are discussed in this paper.