Spectroscopy of the archetype colliding-wind binary WR 140 during the 2009 January periastron passage

Abstract

We present the results from the spectroscopic monitoring of WR 140 (WC7pd + O5.5fc) during its latest periastron passage in 2009 January. The observational campaign consisted of a constructive collaboration between amateur and professional astronomers. It took place at six locations, including Teide Observatory, Observatoire de Haute Provence, Dominion Astrophysical Observatory and Observatoire du Mont Mgantic. WR 140 is known as the archetype of colliding-wind binaries and it has a relatively long period ( 8 yr) and high eccentricity ( 0.9). We provide updated values for the orbital parameters, new estimates for the WR and O star masses and new constraints on the mass-loss rates and colliding-wind geometry.