An object showing signatures of both → WN Wolf-Rayet stars
and → WC Wolf-Rayet stars
in the same spectrum, originating from individual stars rather than from WN + WC
→ binary systems. Such a WN/WC signature implies
that the surface composition of the star is → nitrogen
and → carbon enriched. This hybrid state
results from a mixing process between He-burning
→ convective core and the
overlying nitrogen enriched layers. According to model predictions, this situation corresponds to a
short transition phase, lasting 103 to 104 years, during which
a WN star evolves into a WC star.
The WN/WC stars
so far detected are all of early types.
See also: → WN Wolf-Rayet; → WC Wolf-Rayet.
