SALT spectroscopic classification of transient event Gaia22akz as Be-star
ATel #15372; M. Gromadzki, L. Wyrzykowski (Astronomical Observatory, University of Warsaw), D. A. H. Buckley (South African Astronomical Observatory)
on 9 May 2022; 17:26 UT
Credential Certification: Mariusz Gromadzki (marg@astrouw.edu.pl)
Subjects: Optical, Variables
We report on SALT spectroscopy of transient event Gaia22akz/AT2022bhu, discovered by Gaia Science Alerts (Hodgkin et al. 2021), https://gsaweb.ast.cam.ac.uk/alerts/alert/Gaia22akz. A low resolution (R = 350) SALT/RSS spectra was taken on 2022-04-27, under the SALT Large Programme on transients (2021-2-LSP-001).
Spectrum shows stellar continuum affected by Galactic and Interstellar extinction with absorption lines of hydrogen (Balmer series), He I and few diffuse interstellar bands. Halpha shows a disk-like profile.
This suggests that the transient is a brightening of Be-type stars.
The spectrum and additional details can be obtained from the IAU Transient Name Server (TNS), https://www.wis-tns.org/object/2022bhu.
