Measuring The Heartbeat of Massive Binaries
Faculty Mentor Name
Noel Richardson
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
This project aims to study the spectral signatures of high-mass binary star systems in order to generate models of their systems and study what it means for a binary system to have a “heartbeat” light curve. The patterns of the strange, understudied light curves generated by these binary stars directly correlate to the way the stars revolve around each other. By studying these heartbeats, scientists could understand the kinematics of massive binaries more clearly.
Spectroscopy is the method of data collection that analyzes the effects of electromagnetic radiation on various bodies to determine chemical composition. My group and I will use this method of data collection to study the stars Mu Sagittarii and V 914 Carinae. Through identifying key spectroscopic absorption and emission lines, we can determine the rotation speed, velocity of the center of mass, temperature, spectral classification, and relative masses of the stars in the binary systems. By the end of the period, we plan on generating a model of the star systems and publishing a scientific paper on our respective stars, as well as a light curve that shows the heartbeat. Our research will help to further understand the kinematics of binary star systems with mass transfer. Heartbeat light curves are understudied and perplexing in astronomy and need further research.
Measuring The Heartbeat of Massive Binaries
This project aims to study the spectral signatures of high-mass binary star systems in order to generate models of their systems and study what it means for a binary system to have a “heartbeat” light curve. The patterns of the strange, understudied light curves generated by these binary stars directly correlate to the way the stars revolve around each other. By studying these heartbeats, scientists could understand the kinematics of massive binaries more clearly.
Spectroscopy is the method of data collection that analyzes the effects of electromagnetic radiation on various bodies to determine chemical composition. My group and I will use this method of data collection to study the stars Mu Sagittarii and V 914 Carinae. Through identifying key spectroscopic absorption and emission lines, we can determine the rotation speed, velocity of the center of mass, temperature, spectral classification, and relative masses of the stars in the binary systems. By the end of the period, we plan on generating a model of the star systems and publishing a scientific paper on our respective stars, as well as a light curve that shows the heartbeat. Our research will help to further understand the kinematics of binary star systems with mass transfer. Heartbeat light curves are understudied and perplexing in astronomy and need further research.