NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0459
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0459 |
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PI: Abhijit Saha, NOAO, saha@noao.edu
Address: 950 N Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
CoI: Richard Wade, Pennsylvania State University
CoI: Chad Bender, Pennsylvania State University
CoI: Dianne Harmer, NOAO
CoI: Daryl Willmarth, NOAO
Title: Confirming the binarity of the RR Lyrae star TU UMa
Abstract:
Evidence from existing data indicates that the RR Lyrae star TU UMa
is in a binary system with an orbital period of about 23.5 years. Its
companion has thus far eluded detection. This proposal seeks to verify
the modeled binary system by measuring the orbital velocities during a
decisive phase in the predicted orbit, and to tighten the orbital
parameters. A contemporaneous proposal to HET will seek to find the
secondary companion spectroscopically, and if found, to measure the
velocity curve of the secondary. These efforts are in pursuit of a
first measurement of a dynamical mass for an RR Lyrae star, which has
obvious implications as a test of late stage stellar evolution.
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 > 2011A-0459 |
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