NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011B-0339
|
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011B-0339 |
|
PI: Todd Hillwig, Valparaiso University, todd.hillwig@valpo.edu
Address: Physics Department, 1610 Campus Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383, USA
CoI: David Frew, Macquarie University
CoI: Orsola De Marco, Macquarie University
CoI: Dimitri Douchin, Macquarie University
Title: Detecting Close Binary Central Stars of Planetary Nebulae: The Photometric Monitoring Campaign
Abstract:
Our understanding of close binary stars with a compact companion has
a broad impact on astrophysics. Since most such systems include a white
dwarf, and all have gone through a common envelope phase, studying these
systems in planetary nebulae provides a window to the beginning of this
evolutionary stage. The sample of close binaries in planetary nebulae
is approaching a statistically significant number. Past surveys have
shown the fraction of planetary nebula central stars that are close
binaries to be between 15 and 20 percent, but these surveys have
suffered from strong selection effect biases. We now have a reliable
volume-limited sample of planetary nebulae out to 2 kpc which can be
surveyed to determine a reliable binary fraction for close binary
central stars of planetary nebulae and provide more targets to add to
the known binary sample. Knowledge of the binary fraction in planetary
nebulae, classification of discovered binaries, and correlation of
binarity with the surrounding ejected common envelope will greatly
improve our understanding of the formation of astrophysically important
objects like supernova Ia progenitors, cataclysmic variables, and
subdwarf O and B stars. We propose a single-filter photometric
monitoring campaign in both hemispheres of the 2 kpc volume-limited
sample of planetary nebulae.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
|
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011B-0339 |
|