NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2004A-0208
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2004A-0208 |
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PI: Heather Osborne, New Mexico State University, hosborne@nmsu.edu
Address: Astronomy Department, Box 30001/MSC 4500, Las Cruces, NM 88001, USA
CoI: Tom Harrison, New Mexico State University
CoI: Bernie McNamara, New Mexico State University
Title: Determining the Masses of Cataclysmic Variables: Radial Velocities
Abstract:
It is clear that our understanding of the nature and history of
cataclysmic variables (CVs) is incomplete. For example, Howell et. al.
(2001) argue that the secondary star of a CV system is out of thermal
equilibrium as it undergoes mass transfer (contrary to standard theory),
resulting in a mass-radius relationship different from the standard M-R
track. Pinsonneault et. al. (2002) have suggested a bimodal
distribution for CV secondary stars which could cause abundance
anomalies as well as a different mass-radius relationship for the
secondaries. Testing these theories requires better knowledge of CV
system characteristics, particularly the component masses. Radial
velocity measurements are crucial for the determination of secondary
star masses. We request seven nights with GoldCam on the 2.1 m
telescope to measure the radial velocities of four to eight targets.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2004A-0208 |
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