Visual Orbit Research Articles

Visual Orbits of Spectroscopic Binaries with the CHARA Array. II. The Eclipsing Binary HD 185912

Abstract We present the visual orbit of the double-lined eclipsing binary, HD 185912, from long baseline interferometry with the CHARA Array. We also obtain echelle spectra from the Apache Point observatory to update the spectroscopic orbital solution and analyze new photometry from Burggraaff et al. to model the eclipses. By combining the spectroscopic and visual orbital solutions, we find component masses of M 1 = 1.361 ± 0.004 M ⊙ and M 2 = 1.331 ± 0.004 M ⊙, and a distance of d = 40.75 ± 0.30 pc from orbital parallax. From the light-curve solution, we find component radii of R 1 = 1.348 ± 0.016 R ⊙ and R 2 = 1.322 ± 0.016 R ⊙. By comparing these observed parameters to stellar evolution models, we find that HD 185912 is a young system near the zero age main sequence with an estimated age of 500 Myr.

Colour-dependent accurate modelling of dynamical parallaxes and masses of visual binaries

Context. Two fundamental characteristics of binary systems are the masses of their components and their distance to the Earth. In this way, the dynamical parallax is an accurate and very helpful tool. Nevertheless, there has been some concern with regard to the use of a unique linear mass–luminosity relation (MLR) for the entire main sequence (MS). Aims. This article describes the accurate computation of both dynamical parallaxes and individual masses of visual binaries. The main aim is to formulate a model which would be suitable for binary systems attending to the exact locations of the components on the MS in the HR diagram. Methods. An analytical model was developed which allows calculation of dynamical parallaxes and individual masses using a non-linear MLR valid for the entire MS. This up-to-date MLR is given by a polynomial of degree 20. In contrast to previous approaches, this model can be applied even in the case of components with unequal masses, that is, with an arbitrarily large difference of magnitudes between them. On the other hand, considering the fundamental equation of the theory that forms the basis of the model, we propose to estimate uncertainties in parallax and masses using Monte Carlo simulations. Results. The model was validated by means of numerical tests using a synthetic sample comprising 103 systems. The results are much more accurate than those for previous models reported in the literature for deriving dynamical parallaxes and masses. Furthermore, we present dynamical parallaxes and individual masses for the 19 double-lined spectro-interferometric systems with definitive visual orbits and compare the former with the orbital parallaxes as well as with those measured by HIPPARCOS and Gaia. It is worth mentioning that the latter can only be a reliable source when the orbital motion is taken into account. Thus, at present, many Gaia DR2 parallaxes of binaries are biased. Conclusions. Our model, composed of an exact analytical theory, along with a non-linear MLR, guarantees high accuracy even in cases where the components are of unequal mass.

V348 And and V572 Per: Bright Triple Systems with Eccentric Eclipsing Binaries*

Abstract The eclipsing binaries are still important objects for our understanding of the universe. Especially these ones located within the more complex multiple systems can help us solving the problem of their origin and subsequent evolution of these higher order multiples. Photometry and spectroscopy spanning over more than 25 yr were used for the first complete analysis of the two bright triple systems, namely V348 And and V572 Per. The light curves in photometric filters were combined together with the radial velocities and analyzed simultaneously, yielding the precise physical parameters of the eclipsing components of these multiple systems. The system V348 And consists of two eclipsing components with its orbital period of about 27.7 days. The system is a very detached one, and both eclipses are rather narrow, lasting only about 0.016 of its period. The visual orbit of the wide pair has the period of about 87 yr. All three components of the system are probably of B8-9 spectral type, and the parallax of the system was slightly shifted to the value of 2.92 mas. On the other hand, the system V572 Per shows apsidal motion of its inner orbit, the orbital period being of about 1.2 days, while the apsidal motion of about 48 yr. The components are of A and F spectral types, while the motion with the third component around a common barycenter is only negligible. According to our modeling, this system is not a member of open cluster Alpha Persei.

Visual Orbits of Spectroscopic Binaries with the CHARA Array. I. HD 224355

Abstract We present the visual orbit of the double-lined spectroscopic binary HD 224355 from interferometric observations with the CHARA Array, as well as an updated spectroscopic analysis using echelle spectra from the Apache Point Observatory 3.5 m telescope. By combining the visual and spectroscopic orbital solutions, we find the binary components to have masses of M 1 = 1.626 ± 0.005M ⊙ and M 2 = 1.608 ± 0.005M ⊙, and a distance of d = 63.98 ± 0.26 pc. Using the distance and the component angular diameters found by fitting spectrophotometry from the literature to spectral energy distribution models, we estimate the stellar radii to be R 1 = 2.65 ± 0.21R ⊙ and R 2 = 2.47 ± 0.23R ⊙. We then compare these observed fundamental parameters to the predictions of stellar evolution models, finding that both components are evolved toward the end of the main sequence with an estimated age of 1.9 Gyr.

Observations of Binary Stars with the Differential Speckle Survey Instrument. VIII. Measures of Metal-poor and Triple Stars from 2015 to 2018

Abstract We present 248 speckle observations of 43 binary and 19 trinary star systems chosen to make progress in two main areas of investigation: the fundamental properties of metal-poor stars and star formation mechanisms. The observations were taken at the Gemini North and South telescopes during the period 2015 July to 2018 April, mainly with the Differential Speckle Survey Instrument but also with a few early results from the new ’Alopeke speckle camera at Gemini North. We find that the astrometry and photometry of these observations as a whole are consistent with previous work at Gemini. We present five new visual orbits for systems important in understanding metal-poor stars, three of which have orbital periods of less than 4 yr, and we indicate the degree to which these and future observations can impact our knowledge of stellar properties and star formation. In particular, we find a decrease in mass at fixed spectral type for metal-poor stars versus their solar-metallicity analogs that is consistent with predictions that are made from current stellar models.

Spectroscopy of the K0 Binary Giant α UMa

Abstract High-resolution spectroscopic observations of the K0 II–III star α UMa were taken at the Elginfield Observatory over 11 years. Radial velocities were measured for nine of these years. They do not cover enough of the 44.5 year orbital period to give definitive elements on their own, but combined with published visual orbits, the spectroscopic-orbit parameters are well constrained. The spectra show no evidence of the secondary star, which remains an unsolved puzzle. Line-depth ratios show that α UMa has temperature variations ∼3 K, possibly periodic, over the 2001–2010 interval. Fourier analysis of the line broadening gives the projected rotation velocity of 2.66 ± 0.15 km s−1 and a radial-tangential macroturbulence dispersion of 4.97 ± 0.08 km s−1. The third-granulation signature shows the granulation velocities of α UMa to be essentially solar, with a scale factor of 0.98 ± 0.10. The absolute radial velocity of the star, with granulation blueshifts removed is −10,035 ± 100 m s−1 at the mean time of the observations, 2005.2544. The line bisector of Fe i λ6253 is normal and shows the classic “C” shape with the blue-most point commensurate with its absolute magnitude. Mapping this bisector on to the third signature gives a flux deficit similar to those of other giants, with a fractional area of 0.131, suggesting a temperature difference between granules and lanes of 127 K. The velocity position of the deficit is slightly higher than that for previously analyzed giants, extending the correlation with absolute magnitude.

A new orbit for the binary star Tau Ophiuchi

The primary of the binary star Tau Ophiuchi is itself a spectroscopic binary. A visual orbit is calculated for the primary and the secondary by use of 635 observations made between 1835 and 2017. Also calculated is an orbit for the spectroscopic primary by use of 29 radial velocities made between 1900 and 1989. Both orbits seem to be satisfactory as measured by statistical tests and comprise more observations and radial velocities than previously calculated orbits.

Spectroscopic Orbits of Subsystems in Multiple Stars. IV. Double-lined Pairs

Abstract Spectroscopic orbits are computed for inner pairs in nine hierarchical multiple systems (HIP 19639, 60845, 75663, 76816, 78163, 78416, 80448, 84789, and HD 105080) and for one simple binary HIP 61840. All subsystems are double-lined, and their periods range from 2.27 to 30.4 days. Five spectroscopic binaries are twins with equal masses. Each hierarchical system is discussed individually, providing estimates of outer periods, masses, orbital inclination, and axial rotation. For systems with three resolved visual components (HIP 60845 and 80448), the outer and inner visual orbits are determined, complementing the description of their architecture. The radial velocities of HIP 75663A, 76816B, and 78163B are found to be variable with long periods, implying that these hierarchies are 2 + 2 quadruples. The period–eccentricity relation for spectroscopic subsystems is discussed.

The Three-dimensional Orbit, Orbital Parallax, and Individual Masses of the Double-lined Spectroscopic Binaries HD 183255, HD 114882, and HD 30712

Abstract Recent speckle observations performed at the Discovery Channel Telescope, the Gemini North Telescope, and the Special Astrophysical Observatory 6 m Telescope have permitted us to calculate the visual orbit of SB2 HD 114882 for the first time and to improve the visual orbits of two other SB2 systems, HD 30712 and HD 183255, using algorithms published by the authors of this research. Recently, new high-quality spectroscopic orbits have been obtained for these binaries by other authors. We determine their 3D orbits, individual masses, and orbital parallaxes, and present them in this paper. The parallaxes are compared with those available from the Gaia mission, and a comparison between the values confirms the precision of the results obtained here.

Separated Fringe Packet Observations with the CHARA Array. III. The Very High-eccentricity Binary HR 7345

Abstract After an 11-year observing campaign, we present the combined visual–spectroscopic orbit of the formerly unremarkable bright star HR 7345 (HD 181655, HIP 94981, GJ 754.2). Using the Separated Fringe Packet method with the CHARA Array, we were able to determine a difficult-to-complete orbital period of 331.609 ± 0.004 days. The 11-month period causes the system to be hidden from interferometric view behind the Sun for three years at a time. Due to the high-eccentricity orbit of about 90% of a year, after 2018 January the periastron phase will not be observable again until late 2021. Hindered by its extremely high eccentricity of 0.9322 ± 0.0001, the double-lined spectroscopic phase of HR 7345 is observable for 15 days. Such a high eccentricity for HR 7345 places it among the most eccentric systems in catalogs of both visual and spectroscopic orbits. For this system, we determine nearly identical component masses of 0.941 ± 0.076 M ⊙ and 0.926 ± 0.075 M ⊙ as well as an orbital parallax of 41.08 ± 0.77 mas.

Visual Orbit and Individual Masses of the Single-lined Spectroscopic Binary 94 AQR A (HD 219834A; MCA 74)

Abstract By combining our improved visual orbit with the last spectroscopic solution of the single-lined spectroscopic binary, MCA 74 (ADS 16672Aa, Ab; HD 219834A), we derived its orbital solution to have a period of 6.321 years. Using the Gaia parallax, a systemic mass of 1.87 ± 0.09 and a mass ratio of q = 0.725 were obtained, which yielded individual masses of 1.07 ± 0.06 and 0.80 ± 0.04 for the main and the secondary components, respectively. The mass and the absolute magnitude of +3.52 confirm that the primary is a late G5–G8 subgiant, while the same parameters of the secondary (Mv = +6.52) suggest that it is an early K2–K3 dwarf.

Physical parameters and ±0.2% parallax of the detached eclipsing binary V923 Scorpii

Context. V923 Sco is a bright (V = 5.91), nearby (π = 15.46 ± 0.40 mas) southern eclipsing binary. Because both components are slow rotators, the minimum masses of the components are known with 0.2% precision from spectroscopy. The system seems ideal for very precise mass, radius, and luminosity determinations and, owing to its proximity and long orbital period (~34.8 days), promises to be resolved with long-baseline interferometry. Aims. The principal aim is very accurate determinations of absolute stellar parameters for both components of the eclipsing binary and a model-independent determination of the distance. Methods. New high-precision photometry of both eclipses of V923 Sco with the MOST satellite was obtained. The system was spatially resolved with the VLTI AMBER, PIONIER, and GRAVITY instruments at nine epochs. Combining the projected size of the spectroscopic orbit (in km) and visual orbit (in mas) the distance to the system is derived. Simultaneous analysis of photometric, spectroscopic, and interferometric data was performed to obtain a robust determination of the absolute parameters. Results. Very precise absolute parameters of the components were derived in spite of the parameter correlations. The primary component is found to be overluminous for its mass. Combining spectroscopic and interferometric observations enabled us to determine the distance to V923 Sco with better than 0.2% precision, which provides a stringent test of Gaia parallaxes. Conclusions. It is shown that combining spectroscopic and interferometric observations of nearby eclipsing binaries can lead to extremely accurate parallaxes and stellar parameters.

Precision Orbit of δ Delphini and Prospects for Astrometric Detection of Exoplanets

Abstract Combining visual and spectroscopic orbits of binary stars leads to a determination of the full 3D orbit, individual masses, and distance to the system. We present a full analysis of the evolved binary system δ Delphini using astrometric data from the MIRC and PAVO instruments on the CHARA long-baseline interferometer, 97 new spectra from the Fairborn Observatory, and 87 unpublished spectra from the Lick Observatory. We determine the full set of orbital elements for δ Del, along with masses of 1.78 ± 0.07 M ⊙ and 1.62 ± 0.07 M ⊙ for each component, and a distance of 63.61 ± 0.89 pc. These results are important in two contexts: for testing stellar evolution models and for defining the detection capabilities for future planet searches. We find that the evolutionary state of this system is puzzling, as our measured flux ratios, radii, and masses imply a ∼200 Myr age difference between the components, using standard stellar evolution models. Possible explanations for this age discrepancy include mass transfer scenarios with a now-ejected tertiary companion. For individual measurements taken over a span of two years, we achieve <10 μas precision on the differential position with 10 minute observations. The high precision of our astrometric orbit suggests that exoplanet detection capabilities are within reach of MIRC at CHARA. We compute exoplanet detection limits around δ Del and conclude that, if this precision is extended to wider systems, we should be able to detect most exoplanets >2 M J on orbits >0.75 au around individual components of hot binary stars via differential astrometry.

Spectroscopic orbits of nearby solar-type dwarfs – II.

Several nearby solar-type dwarfs with variable radial velocity were monitored to find their spectroscopic orbits. First orbital elements of 15 binaries (HIP 12144, 17895, 27970, 32329, 38636, 39072, 40479, 43004, 73700, 79234, 84696, 92140, 88656, 104514, and 112222) are determined. The previously known orbits of HIP 5276, 21443, 28678, and 41214 are confirmed and updated. The orbital periods range from 2 days to 4 years. There are 8 hierarchical systems with additional distant companions among those 19 stars. The outer visual orbit of the triple system HIP 17895 is updated and the masses of all its components are estimated. We provide radial velocities of another 16 Hipparcos stars without orbital solutions, some of those with long periods or false claims of variability.

The TWA 3 Young Triple System: Orbits, Disks, Evolution

Abstract We have characterized the spectroscopic orbit of the TWA 3A binary and provide preliminary families of probable solutions for the TWA 3A visual orbit, as well as for the wide TWA 3A–B orbit. TWA 3 is a hierarchical triple located at 34 pc in the ∼10 Myr old TW Hya association. The wide component separation is 1.″55; the close pair was first identified as a possible binary almost 20 years ago. We initially identified the 35-day period orbital solution using high-resolution infrared spectroscopy that angularly resolved the A and B components. We then refined the preliminary orbit by combining the infrared data with a reanalysis of our high-resolution optical spectroscopy. The orbital period from the combined spectroscopic solution is ∼35 days, the eccentricity is ∼0.63, and the mass ratio is ∼0.84; although this high mass ratio would suggest that optical spectroscopy alone should be sufficient to identify the orbital solution, the presence of the tertiary B component likely introduced confusion in the blended optical spectra. Using millimeter imaging from the literature, we also estimate the inclinations of the stellar orbital planes with respect to the TWA 3A circumbinary disk inclination and find that all three planes are likely misaligned by at least ∼30°. The TWA 3A spectroscopic binary components have spectral types of M4.0 and M4.5; TWA 3B is an M3. We speculate that the system formed as a triple, is bound, and that its properties were shaped by dynamical interactions between the inclined orbits and disk.

Orbit Alignment in Triple Stars

Abstract The statistics of the angle Φ between orbital angular momenta in hierarchical triple systems with known inner visual or astrometric orbits are studied. A correlation between apparent revolution directions proves the partial orbit alignment known from earlier works. The alignment is strong in triples with outer projected separation less than ∼50 au, where the average Φ is about . In contrast, outer orbits wider than 1000 au are not aligned with the inner orbits. It is established that the orbit alignment decreases with the increasing mass of the primary component. The average eccentricity of inner orbits in well-aligned triples is smaller than in randomly aligned ones. These findings highlight the role of dissipative interactions with gas in defining the orbital architecture of low-mass triple systems. On the other hand, chaotic dynamics apparently played a role in shaping more massive hierarchies. The analysis of projected configurations and triples with known inner and outer orbits indicates that the distribution of Φ is likely bimodal, where 80% of triples have and the remaining ones are randomly aligned.

Four years’ interferometric observations of Galactic binary Cepheids

We give an update on our long-term program of Galactic Cepheids started in 2012, whose goal is to measure the visual orbits of Cepheid companions. Using the VLTI/PIONIER and CHARA/MIRC instruments, we have now detected several com- panions, and we already have a good orbital coverage for several of them. By combining interferometry and radial velocities, we can now derive all the orbital elements of the systems, and we will be soon able to estimate the Cepheid masses.

V773 Cas, QS Aql, AND BR Ind: ECLIPSING BINARIES AS PARTS OF MULTIPLE SYSTEMS*

ABSTRACT Eclipsing binaries remain crucial objects for our understanding of the universe. In particular, those that are components of multiple systems can help us solve the problem of the formation of these systems. Analysis of the radial velocities together with the light curve produced for the first time precise physical parameters of the components of the multiple systems V773 Cas, QS Aql, and BR Ind. Their visual orbits were also analyzed, which resulted in slightly improved orbital elements. What is typical for all these systems is that their most dominant source is the third distant component. The system V773 Cas consists of two similar G1-2V stars revolving in a circular orbit and a more distant component of the A3V type. Additionally, the improved value of parallax was calculated to be 17.6 mas. Analysis of QS Aql resulted in the following: the inner eclipsing pair is composed of B6V and F1V stars, and the third component is of about the B6 spectral type. The outer orbit has high eccentricity of about 0.95, and observations near its upcoming periastron passage between the years 2038 and 2040 are of high importance. Also, the parallax of the system was derived to be about 2.89 mas, moving the star much closer to the Sun than originally assumed. The system BR Ind was found to be a quadruple star consisting of two eclipsing K dwarfs orbiting each other with a period of 1.786 days; the distant component is a single-lined spectroscopic binary with an orbital period of about 6 days. Both pairs are moving around each other on their 148 year orbit.

ORBITS, DISTANCE, AND STELLAR MASSES OF THE MASSIVE TRIPLE STAR σ ORIONIS

ABSTRACT We present interferometric observations of the σ Orionis triple system using the CHARA Array, NPOI, and VLTI. Using these measurements, we spatially resolve the orbit of the close spectroscopic binary (Aa,Ab) for the first time and present a revised orbit for the wide pair (A,B). Combining the visual orbits with previously published radial velocity measurements and new radial velocities measured at CTIO, we derive dynamical masses for the three massive stars in the system of = 16.99 ± 0.20 , = 12.81 ± 0.18 , and = 11.5 ± 1.2 . The inner and outer orbits in the triple are not coplanar, with a relative inclination of –127 . The orbital parallax provides a precise distance of 387.5 ± 1.3 pc to the system. This is a significant improvement over previous estimates of the distance to the young σ Orionis cluster.

THE TRIPLE SYSTEM ZETA AQUARII*

ABSTRACT Zeta Aquarii is a bright and nearby (28 pc) triple star with a 26-year astrometric subsystem. Almost one-half of the outer 540-year visual orbit has been covered in 238 years of its observations. Both inner and outer orbits are revised here taking into account recent direct resolution of the inner pair Aa,Ab. The inner orbit has a high eccentricity of 0.87 and is inclined to the outer orbit by 140° ± 10°, suggesting that Kozai–Lidov cycles take place. The masses of the stars Aa, B, and Ab are 1.4, 1.4, and 0.6 solar. The age of the system is about 3 Gyr, and the two main components have just left the main sequence. Hypothetically, this system could have formed by a dynamical capture of the small star Ab in the twin binary Aa,B.