Measuring Masses and Kinematics for Two Highly Eccentric Massive Binaries
Faculty Mentor Name
Noel Richardson
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
Massive stars provide much of the energy in their host galaxies in the form of both ionizing radiation and feedback to the interstellar medium. Most massive stars are found in multiple systems, allowing us to measure how the stars interact and move and to obtain direct measurements of stellar masses. This project aims to measure spectroscopic data for two massive binaries that are in long orbits (with periods lasting years) but are highly eccentric in shape.
Our project aims to better understand these highly eccentric orbits by using spectroscopic data collected during the stars’ closest approach. The first system is Eta Carinae, which is going through its closest approach now and consists of an evolved, very massive star with a possible Wolf-Rayet companion. Rachel Olinski will measure changes in the system using data that Professor Richardson and his colleagues have obtained from the Gemini South Observatory and other ground-based telescopes. The second system is WR 140, which went through its closest approach a year ago, with data taken both by the Prescott Observatory Team for Analyzing Telescopically Observed eShel Spectra (POTATOES) as well as at other sites across the globe. Adler Williams will be leading the effort analyzing WR 140. The expected outcome of this study is to better understand how these high-mass stars interact with each other and, by proxy, understand how the system’s dust creation interacts with the interstellar medium.
Measuring Masses and Kinematics for Two Highly Eccentric Massive Binaries
Massive stars provide much of the energy in their host galaxies in the form of both ionizing radiation and feedback to the interstellar medium. Most massive stars are found in multiple systems, allowing us to measure how the stars interact and move and to obtain direct measurements of stellar masses. This project aims to measure spectroscopic data for two massive binaries that are in long orbits (with periods lasting years) but are highly eccentric in shape.
Our project aims to better understand these highly eccentric orbits by using spectroscopic data collected during the stars’ closest approach. The first system is Eta Carinae, which is going through its closest approach now and consists of an evolved, very massive star with a possible Wolf-Rayet companion. Rachel Olinski will measure changes in the system using data that Professor Richardson and his colleagues have obtained from the Gemini South Observatory and other ground-based telescopes. The second system is WR 140, which went through its closest approach a year ago, with data taken both by the Prescott Observatory Team for Analyzing Telescopically Observed eShel Spectra (POTATOES) as well as at other sites across the globe. Adler Williams will be leading the effort analyzing WR 140. The expected outcome of this study is to better understand how these high-mass stars interact with each other and, by proxy, understand how the system’s dust creation interacts with the interstellar medium.