Variability in Protoplanetary Nebulae. X. Multiyear Periods as an Indicator of Potential Binaries

Abstract

New observations are presented of four evolved objects that display long, multiyear variations in their light curves. These are interpreted as good evidence of their binary nature, with the modulation caused by the barycenter motion of the evolved star resulting in a periodic obscuration by a circumbinary disk. Although protoplanetary nebulae (PPNe) commonly possess bipolar nebulae, which are thought to be shaped by a binary companion, there are very few PPNe in which a binary companion has been found. Three of the objects in this study appear to be PPNe, IRAS 07253−2001, 08005−2356, and 17542−0603, with long periods of 5.2, 6.9, and 8.2 yr, respectively. The binary nature of IRAS 08005−2356 has recently been confirmed by a radial velocity study. Two samples, one of PPNe and the other of post-AGB star candidates, are investigated for further evidence on how common is a long-period light-curve variation. Both samples suggest such light-curve variations are not common. The fourth object, IRAS 20056+1834 (QY Sge), is an obscured RV Tau variable of the RVb subclass, with a long period of 3.9 yr and pulsation periods of 102.9 and 51.5 days. The period of this object is seen to vary by 2%. Evidence is presented for a recent mass ejection in IRAS 17542−0603.