Publications
of the
MPIfR
Optical & Infrared
Interferometry Group
F. Kerber, R. Palsa, J. Köppen, T.
Blöcker, M.R. Rosa:
Unlocking the Past of Sakurai's object using
FORS/VLT
The ESO Messenger 101, 27-30, (2000)
Abstract.
Sakurai's object (V4334 Sgr) was discovered by Japanese amateur
astronomer Y. Sakurai in February 1996 and first classified as a slow
nova. Follow-up observations though immediately showed this to be a
very special object indeed. It turned out to be a true stellar
chameleon, perhaps the most rapidly evolving star ever witnessed.
Details of its discovery and early observations are found in Duerbeck
et al. (1996, 1997), Kerber et al. (1998) and Clayton \& de Marco
(1997).
We have now used the combined power of FORS/VLT in order to deepen our
insight into this object and its evolution.
Using FORS/VLT observations we have obtained the best spectrum
of the old PN surrounding Sakurai's object. We have derived improved
values for the interstellar reddening and
we have been able to reliably measure additional diagnostic lines.
In particular the value found for the He II 4686 line is in excellent
agreement with our earlier model calculations
We thereby confirm the previous result that the star was a hot highly
evolved PN nucleus before the flash.
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