The beta Pictoris phenomenon in A-shell stars: Detection of accreting gas

We present the results of an expanded survey of A-shell stars using IUE high-dispersion spectra and find accreting, circumstellar gas in the line of sight to nine stars, in addition to the previously identified beta Pie, HR 10, and 131 Tau, which can be followed to between +70 and 100 km s(-1) relative to the star. Two of the program stars, HD 88195 and HD 148283, show variable high-velocity gas. Given the small number of IUE spectra for our program stars, detection of high-velocity, accreting gas in 2/3 of the A-shell stars sampled indicates that accretion is an intrinsic part of the A-shell phenomenon and that beta Pic is not unique among main-sequence A stars in exhibiting such activity. Our program stars, as a group, have smaller column densities of high-velocity gas and smaller near-IR excesses compared with beta Pie. These features are consistent with greater central clearing of a remnant debris disk, compared with beta Pie, and suggest that the majority of field A-shell stars are older than beta Pie.