Orbital motion in pre-main sequence binaries

G. H. Schaefer, L. Prato, M. Simon, Jennifer Patience

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present results from our ongoing program to map the visual orbits of pre-main sequence (PMS) binaries in the Taurus star forming region using adaptive optics imaging at the Keck Observatory. We combine our results with measurements reported in the literature to analyze the orbital motion for each binary. We present preliminary orbits for DF Tau, T Tau S, ZZ Tau, and the Pleiades binary HBC 351. Seven additional binaries show curvature in their relative motion. Currently, we can place lower limits on the orbital periods for these systems; full solutions will be possible with more orbital coverage. Five other binaries show motion that is indistinguishable from linear motion. We suspect that these systems are bound and might show curvature with additional measurements in the future. The observations reported herein lay critical groundwork toward the goal of measuring precise masses for low-mass PMS stars.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number157
JournalAstronomical Journal
Volume147
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2014

Keywords

  • binaries
  • fundamental parameters
  • pre-main sequence
  • stars
  • visual stars

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Orbital motion in pre-main sequence binaries'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this