Low-mass Binary Systems Research Articles

X-ray and UV emission of the ultrashort-period, low-mass eclipsing binary system BX Trianguli

Context.Close binary systems provide an excellent tool for determining stellar parameters such as radii and masses with a high degree of precision. Due to the high rotational velocities, most of these systems exhibit strong signs of magnetic activity, postulated to be the underlying reason for radius inflation in many of the components.Aims.We extend the sample of low-mass binary systems with well-known X-ray properties.Methods.We analyze data from a singularXMM-Newtonpointing of the close, low-mass eclipsing binary system BX Tri. The UV light curve was modeled with the eclipsing binary modeling toolPHOEBEand data acquired with the EPIC cameras was analyzed to search for hints of orbital modulation.Results.We find clear evidence of orbital modulation in the UV light curve and show thatPHOEBEis fully capable of modeling data within this wavelength range. Comparison to a theoretical flux prediction based onPHOENIXmodels shows that the majority of UV emission is of photospheric origin. While the X-ray light curve does exhibit strong variations, the signal-to-noise ratio of the observation is insufficient for a clear detection of signs of orbital modulation. There is evidence of a Neupert-like correlation between UV and X-ray data.

Orbital Characterization of GJ1108A System, and Comparison of Dynamical Mass with Model-derived Mass for Resolved Binaries

Abstract We report an orbital characterization of GJ1108Aab that is a low-mass binary system in the pre-main-sequence phase. Via the combination of astrometry using adaptive optics and radial velocity measurements, an eccentric orbital solution of e = 0.63 is obtained, which might be induced by the Kozai–Lidov mechanism with a widely separated GJ1108B system. Combined with several observed properties, we confirm that the system is indeed young. Columba is the most probable moving group, to which the GJ1108A system belongs, although its membership to the group has not been established. If the age of Columba is assumed for GJ1108A, the dynamical masses of both GJ1108Aa and GJ1108Ab (M dynamical,GJ1108Aa = 0.72 ± 0.04 M ⊙ and M dynamical,GJ1108Ab = 0.30 ± 0.03 M ⊙) are more massive than what an evolutionary model predicts based on the age and luminosities. We consider that the discrepancy in mass comparison can be attributed to an age uncertainty; the system is likely older than stars in Columba, and effects that are not implemented in classical models such as accretion history and magnetic activity are not preferred to explain the mass discrepancy. We also discuss the performance of the evolutionary model by compiling similar low-mass objects in the evolutionary state based on the literature. Consequently, it is suggested that the current model on average reproduces the mass of resolved low-mass binaries without any significant offsets.

Gone with the wind: the impact of wind mass transfer on the orbital evolution of AGB binary systems

In low-mass binary systems, mass transfer is likely to occur via a slow and dense stellar wind when one of the stars is in the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) phase. Observations show that many binaries that have undergone AGB mass transfer have orbital periods of 1–10 yr, at odds with the predictions of binary population synthesis models. In this paper we investigate the mass-accretion efficiency and angular-momentum loss via wind mass transfer in AGB binary systems and we use these quantities to predict the evolution of the orbit. To do so, we perform 3D hydrodynamical simulations of the stellar wind lost by an AGB star in the time-dependent gravitational potential of a binary system, using the AMUSE framework. We approximate the thermal evolution of the gas by imposing a simple effective cooling balance and we vary the orbital separation and the velocity of the stellar wind. We find that for wind velocities higher than the relative orbital velocity of the system the flow is described by the Bondi-Hoyle-Lyttleton approximation and the angular-momentum loss is modest, which leads to an expansion of the orbit. On the other hand, for low wind velocities an accretion disk is formed around the companion and the accretion efficiency as well as the angular-momentum loss are enhanced, implying that the orbit will shrink. We find that the transfer of angular momentum from the binary orbit to the outflowing gas occurs within a few orbital separations from the centre of mass of the binary. Our results suggest that the orbital evolution of AGB binaries can be predicted as a function of the ratio of the terminal wind velocity to the relative orbital velocity of the system, v∞/vorb. Our results can provide insight into the puzzling orbital periods of post-AGB binaries. The results also suggest that the number of stars entering into the common-envelope phase will increase, which can have significant implications for the expected formation rates of the end products of low-mass binary evolution, such as cataclysmic binaries, type Ia supernovae, and double white-dwarf mergers.

Circumstellar disk fragmentation and the origin of massive planetary companions, brown dwarfs, and very low-mass stars

AbstractThe low-mass end of the initial mass function remains poorly understood. In this mass range, very low-mass stars, brown dwarfs, and massive planets are able to form through a variety of physical processes. Here, we study the long-term evolution of disk-fragmented systems around low-mass stars, for the epoch up to 10 Myr (the typical lifetime of an embedded cluster) and up to 10 Gyr (the age of the Milky Way). We carry out N-body simulations to study the decay of disk-fragmented systems and the resulting end products. Our simulations indicate rapid decay and frequent physical collisions during the first 10 Myr. We find that disk fragmentation provides a viable mechanism for explaining hierarchical triple systems, the brown dwarf desert, single and binary brown dwarfs, and very low-mass binary systems in the solar neighbourhood.

OGLE-2016-BLG-1266: A Probable Brown Dwarf/Planet Binary at the Deuterium Fusion Limit

Abstract We report the discovery, via the microlensing method, of a new very low mass binary system. By combining measurements from Earth and from the Spitzer telescope in Earth-trailing orbit, we are able to measure the microlensing parallax of the event, and we find that the lens likely consists of a (12.0 ± 0.6)M J + (15.7 ± 1.5)M J super-Jupiter/brown dwarf pair. The binary is located at a distance of 3.08 ± 0.18 kpc in the Galactic plane, and the components have a projected separation of 0.43 ± 0.03 au. Two alternative solutions with much lower likelihoods are also discussed, an 8M J and 6M J model and a 90M J and 70M J model. If all photometric measurements were independent and Gaussian distributed with known variances, these alternative solutions would be formally disfavored at the 3σ and 5σ levels. We show how the more massive of these models could be tested with future direct imaging.

On the origin of pulsing X-ray emission of AE Aqr

The cataclysmic variable AE Aquarii is a low-mass close binary system containing a red dwarf and a 33 s rotation period magnetic white dwarf which operates as a rotation-powered pulsar. The 33 s pulsations are detected in the optical, UV and X-rays. The 16.5 s harmonic is also present in the optical and UV. This pulsing emission comes from two hot spots (Tp ∼ 26000 K) located in the regions of magnetic poles on the white dwarf surface. The nature of the X-ray pulsations of AE Aqr is still under discussion. No 16.5 s harmonic in X-ray is observed and the luminosity of the pulsing component in X-rays is significantly smaller than the luminosity of the pulsing component in the optical and UV. We suggest that the source of pulsing X-ray emission is also located in the magnetic pole region at the surface of the white dwarf and can be associated with a hot spot (T ∼ 106 − 107 K). This spot is heated by the backflowing charged particles. However, the source of particles responsible for the heating the X-ray spot differs from the source of particles responsible for the heating the area emitting in the optical an UV.

Selection effects on the orbital period distribution of low-mass black hole X-ray binaries

We investigate the lack of observed low-mass black hole binary systems at short periods(<4 h) by comparing the observed orbital period distribution of 17 confirmed low-mass black hole X-ray binaries (BHXBs) with their implied period distribution after correcting for the effects of extinction of the optical counterpart, absorption of the X-ray outburst and the probability of detecting a source in outburst. We also draw samples from two simple orbital period distributions and compare the simulated and observed orbital period distributions. We predict that there are >200 and <3000 binaries in the Galaxy with periods between 2 and 3 h, with an additional ≈600 objects between 3 and 10 h.

Project Solaris, a Global Network of Autonomous Observatories: Design, Commissioning, and First Science Results

We present the design and commissioning of Project Solaris, a global network of autonomous observatories. Solaris is a Polish scientific undertaking aimed at the detection and characterization of circumbinary exoplanets and eclipsing binary stars. To accomplish this, a network of four fully autonomous observatories has been deployed in the Southern Hemisphere: Solaris-1 and Solaris-2 in the South African Astronomical Observatory in South Africa; Solaris-3 in Siding Spring Observatory in Australia; and Solaris-4 in Complejo Astronomico El Leoncito in Argentina. The four stations are nearly identical and are equipped with 0.5-m Ritchey-Crétien (f/15) or Cassegrain (f/9, Solaris-3) optics and high-grade 2 K × 2 K CCD cameras with Johnson and Sloan filter sets. We present the design and implementation of low-level security; data logging and notification systems; weather monitoring components; all-sky vision system, surveillance system; and distributed temperature and humidity sensors. We describe dedicated grounding and lighting protection system design and robust fiber data transfer interfaces in electrically demanding conditions. We discuss the outcomes of our design, as well as the resulting software engineering requirements. We describe our system’s engineering approach to achieve the required level of autonomy, the architecture of the custom high-level industry-grade software that has been designed and implemented specifically for the use of the network. We present the actual status of the project and first photometric results; these include data and models of already studied systems for benchmarking purposes (Wasp-4b, Wasp-64b, and Wasp-98b transits, PG 1663-018, an eclipsing binary with a pulsator) as well J024946-3825.6, an interesting low-mass binary system for which a complete model is provided for the first time.

Discovery and Precise Characterization by the MEarth Project of LP 661-13, an Eclipsing Binary Consisting of Two Fully Convective Low-mass Stars

Abstract We report the detection of stellar eclipses in the LP 661-13 system. We present the discovery and characterization of this system, including high-resolution spectroscopic radial velocities and a photometric solution spanning two observing seasons. LP 661-13 is a low-mass binary system with an orbital period of days at a distance of 24.9 ± 1.3 parsecs. LP 661-13A is a 0.30795 ± 0.00084 M ⊙ star, while LP 661-13B is a 0.19400 ± 0.00034 M ⊙ star. The radius of each component is 0.3226 ± 0.0033 R ⊙ and 0.2174 ± 0.0023 R ⊙, respectively. We detect out-of-eclipse modulations at a period slightly shorter than the orbital period, implying that at least one of the components is not rotating synchronously. We find that each component is slightly inflated compared to stellar models, and that this cannot be reconciled through age or metallicity effects. As a nearby eclipsing binary system, where both components are near or below the full-convection limit, LP 661-13 will be a valuable test of models for the structure of cool dwarf stars.

Discovery of wide low and very low-mass binary systems using Virtual Observatory tools

The frequency of multiple systems and their properties are key constraints of stellar formation and evolution. Formation mechanisms of very low-mass (VLM) objects are still under considerable debate and an accurate assessment of their multiplicity and orbital properties are essential for constraining current theoretical models. Taking advantage of the Virtual Observatory capabilities, we looked for comoving low and VLM binary (or multiple) systems using the Large Area Survey of the UKIDSS LAS DR10, SDSS DR9, and the 2MASS Catalogues. Other catalogues (WISE, GLIMPSE, SuperCosmos ...) were used to derive the physical parameters of the systems. We report the identification of 36 low and VLM (~M0-L0 spectral types) candidates to binary/multiple system (separations between 200 and 92000 AU), whose physical association is confirmed through common proper motion, distance and low probability of chance alignment. This new system list notably increases the previous sampling in their mass-separation parameter space (~100). We have also found 50 low-mass objects that we can classify as ~L0-T2 according to their photometric information. Only one of these objects presents a common proper motion high-mass companion. Although we could not constrain the age of the majority of the candidates, probably most of them are still bound except four that may be under disruption processes. We suggest that our sample could be divided in two populations: one tightly bound wide VLM systems that are expected to last more than 10 Gyr, and other formed by weak bound wide VLM systems that will dissipate within a few Gyr.

Evidence for variable, correlated X-ray and optical/IR extinction towards the nearby, pre-main-sequence binary TWA 30

We present contemporaneous XMM-Newton X-ray and ground-based optical/near-IR spectroscopic observations of the nearby ($D \approx 42$ pc), low-mass (mid-M) binary system TWA 30A and 30B. The components of this wide (separation $\sim$3400 AU) binary are notable for their nearly edge-on disk viewing geometries, high levels of variability, and evidence for collimated stellar outflows. We obtained XMM-Newton X-ray observations of TWA 30A and 30B in 2011 June and July, accompanied (respectively) by IRTF SpeX (near-IR) and VLT XSHOOTER (visible/near-IR) spectroscopy obtained within $\sim$20 hours of the X-ray observations. TWA 30A was detected in both XMM-Newton observations at relatively faint intrinsic X-ray luminosities ($L_{X}$$\sim$$8\times10^{27}$ $erg$ $s^{-1}$) compared to stars of similar mass and age . The intrinsic (0.15-2.0 keV) X-ray luminosities measured in 2011 had decreased by a factor 20-100 relative to a 1990 (ROSAT) X-ray detection. TWA 30B was not detected, and we infer an upper limit of ($L_{X}$ $\lesssim$ 3.0 $\times$ $10^{27}$ erg s$^{-1}$). We measured a large change in visual extinction toward TWA 30A (from $A_V \approx 14.9$ to $A_V \approx 4.7$) between the two 2011 observing epochs, and we find evidence for a corresponding significant decrease in X-ray absorbing column ($N_H$). The apparent correlated change in $A_V$ and $N_H$ is suggestive of variable obscuration of the stellar photosphere by disk material composed of both gas and dust. However, in both observations, the inferred $N_{H}$ to $A_{V}$ ratio is lower than that typical of the ISM, suggesting that the disk is either depleted of gas or is deficient in metals in the gas phase.

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE VERY-LOW-MASS SECONDARY IN THE GJ 660.1AB SYSTEM

ABSTRACT We present a spectroscopic analysis of the low-mass binary star system GJ 660.1AB, a pair of nearby M dwarfs for which we have obtained separated near-infrared spectra (0.9–2.5 μm) with the SpeX spectrograph. The spectrum of GJ 660.1B is distinctly peculiar, with a triangular-shaped 1.7 μm peak that initially suggests that it is a low-surface-gravity, young brown dwarf. However, we rule out this hypothesis and determine instead that this companion is a mild subdwarf (d/sdM7) based on the subsolar metallicity of the primary, [Fe/H] = −0.63 ± 0.06. Comparison of the near-infrared spectrum of GJ 660.1B to two sets of spectral models yields conflicting results, with a common effective temperature of T eff = 2550–2650 K, but alternately low surface gravity ( log g ?> = 4.4 &minus; 0.5 &plus; 0.5 ?> ) and very low metallicity ([M/H] = &minus; 0.96 &minus; 0.24 &plus; 0.19 ?> ), or high surface gravity ( log g ?> = 5.0–5.5) and slightly subsolar metallicity ([M/H] = &minus; 0.20 &minus; 0.19 &plus; 0.13 ?> ). We conjecture that insufficient condensate opacity and excessive collision-induced H2 absorption in the models bias them toward low surface gravities and a metallicity that is inconsistent with the primary and points toward improvements needed in the spectral modeling of metal-poor, very-low-mass dwarfs. The peculiar spectral characteristics of GJ 660.1B emphasize that care is needed when interpreting surface gravity features in the spectra of ultracool dwarfs.

THE DYNAMICAL EVOLUTION OF LOW-MASS HYDROGEN-BURNING STARS, BROWN DWARFS, AND PLANETARY-MASS OBJECTS FORMED THROUGH DISK FRAGMENTATION

Theory and simulations suggest that it is possible to form low-mass hydrogen-burning stars, brown dwarfs and planetary-mass objects via disc fragmentation. As disc fragmentation results in the formation of several bodies at comparable distances to the host star, their orbits are generally unstable. Here, we study the dynamical evolution of these objects. We set up the initial conditions based on the outcomes of the SPH simulations of Stamatellos & Whitworth, and for comparison we also study the evolution of systems resulting from lower-mass fragmenting discs. We refer to these two sets of simulations as set 1 and set 2. At 10 Myr, approximately half of the host stars have one companion left, and approximately 22% (set 1) to 9.8% (set 2) of the host stars are single. Systems with multiple secondaries in relatively stable configurations are common (about 30% and 44%, respectively). The majority of the companions are ejected within 1 Myr with velocities mostly below 5 km/s, with some runaway escapers with velocities over 30 km/s. About 6% (set 1) and 2% (set 2) of the companions pair up into very low-mass binary systems. The majority of these pairs escape as very low-mass binaries, while others remain bound to the host star in hierarchical configurations (often with retrograde inner orbits). Physical collisions with the host star (0.43 and 0.18 events per host star for set 1 and set 2) and between companions (0.08 and 0.04 events per host star for set 1 and set 2) are relatively common and their frequency increases with increasing disc mass. Our study predicts observable properties of very low-mass binaries, low-mass hierarchical systems, the brown dwarf desert, and free-floating brown dwarfs and planetary-mass objects in and near young stellar groupings, which can be used to distinguish between different formation scenarios of very low-mass stars, brown dwarfs and planetary-mass objects.

New photometric investigation of eclipsing binary NSVS 10653195

New CCD photometric light curves of the low-mass binary system NSVS 10653195 are presented. Our complete B, V, Rc and Ic-band light curves show a remarkable out-eclipsing distortion. This phenomenon suggests that the components of the system may be active. The photometric solutions with star-spot were derived by using the 2013 version of the Wilson–Devinney (WD) code. Based on all available times of light minimum, we analyzed the orbital period changes. The O–C diagram reveals that the period of NSVS 10653195 is decreasing at a rate of dP/dt=−2.79×10−7 days yr−1, which is probably caused by angular momentum loss.

Colliding winds in low-mass binary star systems: wind interactions and implications for habitable planets

Context. In binary star systems, the winds from the two components impact each other, leading to strong shocks and regions of enhanced density and temperature. Potentially habitable circumbinary planets must continually be exposed to these interactions regions. Aims. We study, for the first time, the interactions between winds from low-mass stars in a binary system, to show the wind conditions seen by potentially habitable circumbinary planets. Methods. We use the advanced 3D numerical hydrodynamic code Nurgush to model the wind interactions of two identical winds from two solar mass stars with circular orbits and a binary separation of 0.5 AU. As input into this model, we use a 1D hydrodynamic simulation of the solar wind, run using the Versatile Advection Code. We derive the locations of stable and habitable orbits in this system to explore what wind conditions potentially habitable planets will be exposed to during their orbits. Results. Our wind interaction simulations result in the formation of two strong shock waves separated by a region of enhanced density and temperature. The wind-wind interaction region has a spiral shape due to Coriolis forces generated by the orbital motions of the two stars. The stable and habitable zone in this system extends from approximately 1.4 AU to 2.4 AU. (TRUNCATED)

A formation scenario for the triple pulsar PSR J0337+1715: breaking a binary system inside a common envelope

We propose a scenario for the formation of the pulsar with two white dwarfs (WDs) triple system PSR J0337+1715. In our scenario a close binary system is tidally and frictionally destroyed inside the envelope of a massive star that later goes through an accretion induced collapse (AIC) and forms the neutron star (NS). The proposed scenario includes a new ingredient of a binary system that breaks-up inside a common envelope. We use the binary c software to calculate the post break-up evolution of the system, and show that both low mass stars end as helium WDs. One of the two lower mass stars that ends further out, the tertiary star, transfers mass to the ONeMg WD remnant of the massive star, and triggers the AIC. The inner low mass main sequence star evolves later, induces AIC if the tertiary had not done it already, and spins-up the NS to form a millisecond pulsar. This scenario is not extremely sensitive to many of the parameters, such as the eccentricity of the tertiary star and the orbital separation of the secondary star after the low mass binary system breaks loose inside the envelope, and to the initial masses of these stars. The proposed scenario employs an efficient envelope removal by jets launched by the compact object immersed in the giant envelope, and the newly proposed grazing envelope evolution.

DISCOVERY AND CHARACTERIZATION OF WIDE BINARY SYSTEMS WITH A VERY LOW MASS COMPONENT

We report the discovery of 14 low-mass binary systems containing mid-M to mid-L dwarf companions with separations larger than 250 AU. We also report the independent discovery of 9 other systems with similar characteristics that were recently discovered in other studies. We have identified these systems by searching for common proper motion sources in the vicinity of known high proper motion stars, based on a cross-correlation of wide area near-infrared surveys (2MASS, SDSS, and SIMP). An astrometric follow-up, for common proper motion confirmation, was made with SIMON and/or CPAPIR at the OMM 1.6 m and CTIO 1.5 m telescopes for all the candidates identified. A spectroscopic follow-up was also made with GMOS or GNIRS at Gemini to determine the spectral types of 11 of our newly identified companions and 10 of our primaries. Statistical arguments are provided to show that all of the systems we report here are very likely to be physical binaries. One of the new systems reported features a brown dwarf companion: LSPM J1259+1001 (M5) has an L4.5 (2M1259+1001) companion at about 340 AU. This brown dwarf was previously unknown. Seven other systems have a companion of spectral type L0-L1 at a separation in the 250-7500 AU range. Our sample includes 14 systems with a mass ratio below 0.3.

THE CLOSEST KNOWN FLYBY OF A STAR TO THE SOLAR SYSTEM

Passing stars can perturb the Oort Cloud, triggering comet showers and potentially extinction events on Earth. We combine velocity measurements for the recently discovered, nearby, low-mass binary system WISE J072003.20-084651.2 ("Scholz's star") to calculate its past trajectory. Integrating the Galactic orbits of this $\sim$0.15 M$_{\odot}$ binary system and the Sun, we find that the binary passed within only 52$^{+23}_{-14}$ kAU (0.25$^{+0.11}_{-0.07}$ parsec) of the Sun 70$^{+15}_{-10}$ kya (1$\sigma$ uncertainties), i.e. within the outer Oort Cloud. This is the closest known encounter of a star to our solar system with a well-constrained distance and velocity. Previous work suggests that flybys within 0.25 pc occur infrequently ($\sim$0.1 Myr$^{-1}$). We show that given the low mass and high velocity of the binary system, the encounter was dynamically weak. Using the best available astrometry, our simulations suggest that the probability that the star penetrated the outer Oort Cloud is $\sim$98%, but the probability of penetrating the dynamically active inner Oort Cloud ($<$20 kAU) is $\sim$10$^{-4}$. While the flyby of this system likely caused negligible impact on the flux of long-period comets, the recent discovery of this binary highlights that dynamically important Oort Cloud perturbers may be lurking among nearby stars.

Searching for Gravitational Waves from Sub-Solar Mass Black Holes

We are searching for gravitational-wave signals from sub-solar mass black hole binary systems in initial Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) data. The most likely candidates for such systems are primordial black holes that have formed from the collapse of quantum fluctuations in the early universe. Primordial black holes have not yet been ruled out by microlensing experiments, but the allowable masses have been restricted. The gravitational- wave strain from such an inspiralling binary system is well modeled with the post- Newtonian formalism. Therefore, a modeled search for gravitational-wave signals is employed. The search technique is known as matched filtering and is implemented using a codebase that is well-suited for fast searches with long signals. One of the biggest challenges in performing this search is dealing with the heavy computational burden. The gravitational-wave signals from such low-mass binary systems are long (about 10 minutes) and require a large number of models, or templates, spread across the parameter space. A large effort has been focused on speeding up the search while using a reasonable amount of computational resources.

Fractal analysis of light curves for the microquasar GX 339-4

Results of a fractal analysis of the X-ray light curves from accreting black holes in low-mass binary systems are presented for the object GX 339-4 as an example. The fractal dimension of the light curves is shown to be strongly dependent on the presence of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in the observations. A correlation between the fractal dimension of the light curves and the frequency of the QPO peak has been revealed. A method supplementary to a Fourier analysis that allows the pattern of accretion disk emission as a function of time scales to be investigated is proposed. The results of this analysis can be explained if the accretion disk is separated by the QPO region into two zones with different emission parameters.