1999A&A...352L..95G -
Astronomy and Astrophysics, volume 352, L95-98 (1999/12-2)
RW Aur A, a close binary?
GAHM G.F., PETROV P.P., DUEMMLER R., GAMEIRO J.F. and LAGO M.T.V.T.
Abstract (from CDS):
We have discovered periodic changes in velocity and equivalent width of a number of different spectral features of RW Aur A, a T Tauri star with a jet, broad emission lines and substantial excess continuous emission. In particular, the photospheric lines vary in radial velocity with an amplitude of 5.7km/s over a period of 2.77 days, which appears to have been stable over at least 18 years. The present Letter focusses solely on one straightforward interpretation, namely that RW Aur A is a single-lined spectroscopic binary. However, other spectral features vary in or out of phase with the same or the double period. Interpretations, other than a binary model, should be considered but must await the more extended report on our large observational material. In the binary case, the small amplitude leads to a mass function of only 5.10–5M☉, by far the smallest observed for young binaries. The jet velocity and extent restrict the range of inclinations (if the orbital axis is aligned with the jet), implying a close binary with a secondary at the brown dwarf limit. Further restrictions follow if the primary rotates synchronously. Narrow emission components of HeI and HeII vary in anti-phase with the photospheric absorption lines. We show that it is unlikely that these lines reflect the motion of the secondary.
Abstract Copyright:
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Journal keyword(s):
stars: binaries: spectroscopic - stars: pre-main sequence - stars: individual: RW Aur A
Simbad objects:
2
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