Heated dust around the LMC Wolf-Rayet system HD 36402 (BAT99-38)

Abstract

Infrared photometry of the probable triple WC4 (+O?) +O8I: system HD 36402 (BAT99-38) in the LMC shows emission characteristic of heated dust. Although HD 36402 is close to two luminous YSOs, it is possible to distinguish its emission at wavelengths less than 10 microns. Simple modelling indicates a dust temperature near 800 K and mass of about 1.5e-7 Msol amorphous carbon grains. The dust emission appears to be variable. It is apparent that Wolf Rayet dust formation occurs also in metal-poor environments.

4 pages, 4 figures, contribution to 39th Liege Astrophysical Colloquium, 'The multi-wavelength view of hot, massive stars'