RELATIVISTIC STELLAR WIND THEORY - NEAR ZONE SOLUTIONS

We have considered the relativistic stellar wind problem. In this paper we discuss the topology of possible solutions. These solutions include the particular solution of Michel consisting of a stellar wind which becomes asymptotically relativistic only at infinity. There is also a set of solutions corresponding to the classical solar 'breeze'. These latter solutions have heretofore been overlooked in the literature. It is shown that they are truly relativistic solutions. They are compared to a mechanical analogy consisting of a bead free to move on a rigid massless wire which is rotating about a perpendicular axis through one end. A criterion is given for deciding the relevant type of solution in terms of the angular momentum and energy fluxes at the star. © 1971 Royal Astronomical Society. Provided by the NASA Astrophysics Data System.