Properties of the δ Scorpii Circumstellar Disk from Continuum Modeling

We present optical WBVR and infrared JHKL photometric observations of the Be binary system δ Sco obtained in 2000-2005, and mid-infrared (10 and 18 μm) photometry and optical (λλ3200-10500) spectropolarimetry obtained in 2001. Our optical photometry confirms the results of a frequent visual monitoring being done by amateurs. The 2001 spectral energy distribution and polarization are successfully modeled with a three-dimensional non-LTE Monte Carlo code that self-consistently calculates the hydrogen level populations, electron temperature, and gas density for hot star disks. Our disk model is hydrostatically supported in the vertical direction and radially controlled by viscosity. Such a disk model has essentially only two free parameters, viz., the equatorial mass-loss rate and the disk outer radius, if one assumes a prescription for the viscosity. We find that the primary companion is surrounded by a small (7R⋆), geometrically-thin disk, which is highly nonisothermal and fully ionized. Our model requires an average equatorial mass-loss rate of 1.5 × 10-9 M☉ yr-1 to successfully explain the observations. In 2005, we detected a significant simultaneous decrease in the object's optical and near-infrared brightness, which is associated with a continuous rise in the hydrogen line equivalent widths. We discuss possible causes for this unusual phenomenon, which is difficult to explain in view of current models of Be star disks.