NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2017B-0088 |
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PI: Noel Richardson, U. of Toledo, noel.richardson@UToledo.edu
Address: Ritter Observatory, 2801 W Bancroft, MS 113, Toledo, OH 43606 United States
CoI: Anthony Moffat, University of Montreal
CoI: Peredur Williams, University of Edinburgh
CoI: Tomer Shenar, Universitat Potsdam
CoI: Nicole St-Louis, University of Montreal
Title: Weighing Evolved Massive Stars in Binary systems with Interferometry
Abstract: WR stars may be the progenitors of type Ib and Ic supernovae. However, very few
WR stars have directly measured masses, leaving the end-stages of the evolution
of massive stars unconstrained. We propose to use the CHARA Array to measure
the binary positions of two long- period WR+O binaries, essentially doubling
the
number of WR binaries with visual orbits. We previously resolved both of these
systems with CHARA, and now require long-term monitoring in order to constrain
the orbital elements. These results will be combined with double-lined
spectroscopic orbits to determine masses directly. Such measurements in
long-period binaries provide direct constraints to the evolution of single
stars
as these systems likely have not interacted in their past.
Program Type: Long Term/Galactic
Scheduled Nights:
Run 1 (2017B): CHARA/Climb -- 20hrs
Run 1 (2018A): CHARA/Climb -- 20hrs
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 > 2017B-0088 |
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