NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009A-0069
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009A-0069 |
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PI: Andrei Tokovinin, NOAO, atokovinin@ctio.noao.edu
Address: CTIO, Casilla 603, La Serena, Chile
CoI: Brian Mason, U.S. Naval Observatory
CoI: William I. Hartkopf, U.S. Naval Observatory
Title: Orbital spins in multiple stars
Abstract:
Multiple stellar systems keep a record of star formation in the
statistics of their orbits and masses. Despite considerable progress in
theory and numerical simulations, the role of various processes such as
fragmentation, N-body dynamics, and interaction with disks, is not
clear. In particular, the relative orientation of the inner and outer
orbital spins informs us on the importance of chaotic dynamics vs.
cascade fragmentation. We will extend the sample of multiple systems
with known sense of relative rotation (from which the spin statistics is
derived) by speckle interferometry on the new 4.1-m SOAR telescope.
Additional goals of this program are the systematic study of
controversial companions which elude repeated detections, the
determination or correction of the orbits of southern binaries, and the
relative photometry of close companions.
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 > 2009A-0069 |
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