The kinematical association of a giant lobe with the luminous blue variable star P Cygni

Spatially resolved profiles of the H alpha and [N II] lambda 6584 emission lines have been obtained, with the Manchester Echelle Spectrometer on the S an Pedro Martir telescope, across the 7'-long nebulous lobe projecting to t he east of P Cygni. The kinematics of this giant lobe indicate convincingly that it is a consequence of a highly asymmetric ejection from this volatil e star. There is some evidence that the lobe is the northern wall of a holl ow, outflowing cavity, but this suggestion needs to be investigated further . A more intriguing possibility is that it is the manifestation of an outfl owing "funnel" of gas from P Cygni.