IUE spectroscopy, visible-band polarimetry, and radiometry of V641 Mon
This hot, double line, ellipsoidal variable member of NGC 2264 has been shown previously to be either a semi-detached or contact close binary. Low-resolution IUE spectra are best fitted to a Kurucz model atmosphere for very small (approximately 0.08 mag) E(B-V). The familiar interstellar absorption dip near lambda 2200 is apparently absent. A suitable model atmosphere can be fitted to the IUE fluxes, but flux excesses (compared to the model) appear for all the published U through L magnitudes. The spectrum of the B through L excess appears to follow a .0001 lambda dependence. It is shown that this cannot be interpreted as arising from another star fortuitously observed in the visible band or IR. Ground based polarization measures indicate V641 Mon to be a polarization variable. Previous and new V light curves show the amplitude of light variability itself to be variable by about a factor of 2. It is suggested that all these observed characteristics are best explained by postulating "third light" and identifying part of it with Rayleigh scattered starlight very near to the stars. From this same region there arise circumstellar absorptions which give rise to nontheoretical strengths for Si II and Si III lines.