Observations of Rapid Blue Variables-VIII THE COMPANION TO MIRA

Abstract

Ultra-violet photoelectric photometry with 2 s time resolution of Mira near minimum is reported. The light variations observed are attributed to 0 Cet B. It is shown that there are slow (~ 15 min) variations, superimposed on which are rare, short-lived flares. The luminosity of 0 Cet B is attributed to accretion heating, arising from mass loss from 0 Cet A, the slow variations being caused by inhomogeneities in the infalling material. The flares are probably intrinsic to 0 Cet B.