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CoRoT photometry and high-resolution spectroscopy of the interacting eclipsing binary AU Monocerotis.

Authors :
Desmet, M.
Frémat, Y.
Baudin, F.
Harmanec, P.
Lampens, P.
Pacheco, E. Janot
Briquet, M.
Degroote, P.
Neiner, C.
Mathias, P.
Poretti, E.
Rainer, M.
Uytterhoeven, K.
Amado, P. J.
Valtier, J.-C.
Prša, A.
Maceroni, C.
Aerts, C.
Source :
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society; Jan2010, Vol. 401 Issue 1, p418-432, 15p, 13 Charts, 13 Graphs
Publication Year :
2010

Abstract

Analyses of very accurate CoRoT space photometry, past Johnson V photoelectric photometry and high-resolution echelle spectra led to the determination of improved and consistent fundamental stellar properties of both components of AU Monocerotis. We derived new, accurate ephemerides for both the orbital motion (with a period of ) and the long-term, overall brightness variation (with a period of ) of this strongly interacting Be + G semi-detached binary. It is shown that this long-term variation must be due to attenuation of the total light by some variable circumbinary material. We derived the binary mass ratio based on the assumption that the G-type secondary fills its Roche lobe and rotates synchronously. Using this value of the mass ratio as well as the radial velocities of the G-star, we obtained a consistent light curve model and improved estimates of the stellar masses, radii, luminosities and effective temperatures. We demonstrate that the observed lines of the B-type primary may not be of photospheric origin. We also discover rapid and periodic light changes visible in the high-quality residual CoRoT light curves. AU Mon is put into perspective by a comparison with known binaries exhibiting long-term cyclic light changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00358711
Volume :
401
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
46804679
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2009.15659.x