Spectroscopic Monitoring of the LBV-like WR Star HD 5980 of the SMC with FEROS

J.Schweickhardt[1], B.Wolf[1], A.Kaufer[2], H.M.Schmid[1], O.Stahl[1], Th.Szeifert[2], S.Tubbesing[1]

[1] Landessternwarte Koenigstuhl, Heidelberg, Germany
[2] ESO, Garching, Germany

Abstract: HD5980, the well known eclipsing system (P=19.265d) with a WR component (WN6? + O7?) of the SMC is particularly distinguished by its LBV-like outburst which it had in 1994. We have monitored HD5980 with FEROS (Fiber-fed Extended Range Optical Spectrograph; R=48.000; wavelength coverage: 360 - 920 nm; maximum efficiency 20%) which has recently been attached to the ESO 1.52-m telescope during the commissioning and guaranteed observing time (Nov. 1998 to Feb. 1999). We secured spectra during three cycles and obtained good phase coverage. The spectral appearance is similar to that of the preoutburst spectrum but line intensity and line profile variations from cycle to cycle are present. Dynamical spectra of a number of strategic lines will be discussed. We search for signals of the wind-interaction regions. The good phase coverage allows an assessment of the orbital motion.