The nearest star of spectral type O3: a component of the multiple system HD 150136

From radial velocities determined in high signal-to-noise digital spectra, we report the discovery that the brightest component of the binary system HD 150136 is of spectral type O3. We also present the first double-lined orbital solution for this binary. Our radial velocities confirm the previously published spectroscopic orbital period of 2.6 d. He  ii absorptions appear double at quadratures, but single lines of N  v and N  iv visible in our spectra define a radial velocity orbit of higher semi-amplitude for the primary component than do the He  ii lines. From our orbital analysis, we obtain minimum masses for the binary components of 27 and  18 M_⊙  . The neutral He absorptions apparently do not follow the orbital motion of any of the binary components, thus they most probably arise in a third star in the system.     

A first detailed study of the colliding wind WR+O binary WR 30a

We present a detailed, extensive investigation of the photometric and spectroscopic behaviour of WR 30a. This star is definitely a binary system with a period around 4.6 d. We propose the value         . The identification of the components as WO4+O5((f)) indicates a massive evolved binary system; the O5 component is a main-sequence or, more likely, a giant star. The radial velocities of the O star yield a circular orbit with an amplitude         and a mass function of 0.013     . The spectrum of WR 30a exhibits strong profile variations of the broad emission lines that are phase-locked with the orbital period. We report the detection of the orbital motion of the WO component with     , but this should be confirmed by further observations. If correct, it implies a mass ratio     . The star exhibits sinusoidal light variations of amplitude 0.024 mag peak-to-peak with the minimum of light occurring slightly after the conjunction with the O star in front. On the basis of the phase-locked profile variations of the C  iv λ 4658 blend in the spectrum of the WO, we conclude that a wind–wind collision phenomenon is present in the system. We discuss some possibilities for the geometry of the interaction region.     

Orbital parameters of the high‐mass X‐ray binary 4U 2206+54

We present new radial velocities of the high‐mass X‐ray binary star 4U 2206+54 based on optical spectra obtained with the Coudé spectrograph at the 2 m RCC telescope of the Rozhen National Astronomical Observatory, Bulgaria in the period November 2011–July 2013. The radial velocity curve of the He I δ6678 Å line is modeled with an orbital period P_orb = 9.568 d and an eccentricity of e = 0.3. These new measurements of the radial velocity resolve the disagreements of the orbital period discussions. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Orbital Parameters of the Binary Companion in o and Using Spectrum Disentangling

o And is one of the most frequently observed Be stars, both in photometry and spectroscopy. It is a multiple system of at least four stars (a Be star, a close binary of spectral types B7 and B8, and an A star). For over a century, numerous observers report a highly variable spectrum, photometric changes, and a substantial range of radial velocity. The star has changed back and forth between a shell-type and a normal B-type star. The last emission phase started in 1992 and ended in 2000. Analysis of the dynamical spectra at spectral lines Mg II 4481 Å and He I 6678 Å and radial velocity curves shows that the two binary components can be resolved. We decomposed the triple star spectra and computed orbital parameters of the binary companion using the KOREL code for spectrum disentangling.     

Optical spectroscopy of the quiescent counterpart to EXO 0748−676

We present phase resolved optical spectroscopy and X-ray timing of the neutron star X-ray binary EXO 0748−676 after the source returned to quiescence in the autumn of 2008. The X-ray light curve displays eclipses consistent in orbital period, orbital phase and duration with the predictions and measurements before the return to quiescence. Hα and He  i emission lines are present in the optical spectra and show the signature of the orbit of the binary companion, placing a lower limit on the radial velocity semi-amplitude of   K ₂ > 405 km s⁻¹  . Both the flux in the continuum and the emission lines show orbital modulations, indicating that we observe the hemisphere of the binary companion that is being irradiated by the neutron star. Effects due to this irradiation preclude a direct measurement of the radial velocity semi-amplitude of the binary companion; in fact, no stellar absorption lines are seen in the spectrum. Nevertheless, our observations place a stringent lower limit on the neutron star mass of   M ₁ > 1.27 M_⊙  . For the canonical neutron star mass of   M ₁= 1.4 M_⊙  , the mass ratio is constrained to  0.075 < q < 0.105  .     

Orbital parameters of the microquasar LS I +61 303

New optical spectroscopy of the high-mass X-ray binary microquasar LS I +61 303 is presented. Eccentric orbital fits to our radial velocity measurements yield updated orbital parameters in good agreement with previous work. Our orbital solution indicates that the periastron passage occurs at radio phase 0.23 and the X-ray/radio outbursts are triggered 2.5–4 d after the compact star passage. The spectrum of the optical star is consistent with a B0 V spectral type and contributes ∼65 per cent of the total light, the remainder being the result of emission by a circumstellar disc. We also measure the projected rotational velocity to be   v sin  i ≃ 113 km s⁻¹  .     

Aquila X-1: a low-inclination soft X-ray transient

We have obtained I -band photometry of the neutron star X-ray transient Aql X-1 during quiescence. We find a periodicity at 2.487 cycles d⁻¹, which we interpret as twice the orbital frequency (19.30±0.05 h). Folding the data on the orbital period, we model the light-curve variations as the ellipsoidal modulation of the secondary star. We determine the binary inclination to be 20°–30° (90 per cent confidence) and also determine the 95 per cent upper limits to the radial velocity semi-amplitude and rotational broadening of the secondary star to be 117 and 50 km s⁻¹, respectively.     

Confirmation of the oblique pulsator model for the rapidly oscillating Ap star HR 3831

We have detected pulsational radial velocity variations in the rapidly oscillating Ap star HR 3831 which are amplitude- and phase-modulated in the same manner as the photometric variations. In particular, the radial velocities show the same 180° phase reversal at magnetic quadrature as the photometric variations. This confirms the oblique pulsator model, and rules out the spotted pulsator model for these stars.     

The massive Wolf–Rayet binary SMC WR7

We present a study of optical spectra of the Wolf–Rayet star AzV 336a (=SMC WR7) in the Small Magellanic Cloud. Our study is based on data obtained at several Observatories between 1988 and 2001. We find SMC WR7 to be a double-lined WN+O6 spectroscopic binary with an orbital period of 19.56 d. The radial velocities of the He absorption lines of the O6 component and the strong He  ii emission at λ 4686 Å of the WN component describe anti-phased orbital motions. However, they show a small phase shift of ∼1 d. We discuss possible explanations for this phase shift. The amplitude of the radial velocity variations of He  ii emission is twice that of the absorption lines. The binary components have fairly high minimum masses, ∼18 and 34 M_⊙ for the WN and O6 components, respectively.     

Photometric analysis of the eclipsing binary 2MASS 19090585+4911585

We report on observations of the eclipsing binary 2MASS 19090585+4911585 with the 25 cm auxiliary telescope of the University Observatory Jena. We show that a nearby brighter star (2MASS 19090783+4912085) was previously misclassified as the eclipsing binary and find 2MASS 19090585+4911585 to be the true source of variation. We present photometric analysis of VRI light curves. The system is an overcontact binary of W UMa type with an orbital period of (0.288374 ± 0.000010) d (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Orbital elements of GSC 0114401023, a new eclipsing binary

We present Strömgrenuvby photometric observations and a series of radial velocities obtained with the Coravel scanner for the 11th magnitude star catalogued in the Guide Star Catalogue as GSC 0114401023. This star was serendipitously identified on UV frames taken with the Very-Wide-Field-Camera aboard Spacelab-1. Radial velocities show the star to be binary and we have determined accurate orbital elements. Photometric data and orbital elements are consistent with the system being a previously-unrecognized eclipsing binary, with period = 33.8766 days and eccentricity = 0.262.Based on observations collected at the Observatoire de Haute Provence (OHP), CNRS, Saint-Michel l'Observatoire, France, and at the European Southern Observatory (ESO), La Silla, Chile.     

The stellar mass ratio of GK Persei

We study the absorption lines present in the spectra of the long-period cataclysmic variable GK Per during its quiescent state, which are associated with the secondary star. By comparing quiescent data with outburst spectra we infer that the donor star appears identical during the two states and the inner face of the secondary star is not noticeably irradiated by flux from the accreting regions. We obtain new values for the radial velocity semi-amplitude of the secondary star,     , a projected rotational velocity,     and consequently a measurement of the stellar mass ratio of GK Per,     . The inferred white dwarf radial velocities are greater than those measured traditionally using the wings of Doppler-broadened emission lines suspected to originate in an accretion disc, highlighting the unsuitability of emission lines for mass determinations in cataclysmic variables. We determine mass limits for both components in the binary,     and     .     

Radial velocities of pulsating subdwarf B stars: KPD 2109+4401 and PB 8783

High-speed spectroscopy of two pulsating subdwarf B stars, KPD 2109+4401 and PB 8783, is presented. Radial motions are detected with the same frequencies as reported from photometric observations and with amplitudes of ∼2 km s⁻¹ in two or more independent modes. These represent the first direct observations of surface motion arising from multimode non-radial oscillations in subdwarf B stars. In the case of the sdB+F binary PB 8783, the velocities of both components are resolved; high-frequency oscillations are found only in the sdB star and not the F star. There also appears to be evidence for mutual motion of the binary components. If confirmed, it implies that the F-type companion is ≳1.2 times more massive than the sdB star, while the amplitude of the F-star acceleration over 4 h would constrain the orbital period to lie between 0.5 and 3.2 d.     

Optical, X-ray and radio observations of HD 61396: a probable new RS CVn-type binary

We have carried out BVR photometric and H spectroscopic observations of the star HD 61396 during 1998 March 20 to 1999 April 3. We have discovered regular optical photometric variability from this star, with an inferred period of 31.95±0.10 d, and an amplitude of 0.18 mag. A possible period of 35.34±0.12 d, as determined with Hipparcos , cannot be completely ruled out, however. Modelling of its photometric light curve with two circular spots indicates that 521 per cent of the stellar surface is covered by dark starspots which are 830 K cooler than the surrounding photosphere, and produce the observed rotational modulation of the optical flux. Optical spectroscopy reveals a variable H emission feature, indicating that it is an unusually active star.
In addition, we have analysed archival X-ray data of HD 61396, obtained from serendipitous observations with the ROSAT X-ray observatory, and we also discuss the radio properties of this star, based on both published Green Bank and unpublished VLA observations. The strong photometric variability and H emission, the relatively hard X-ray spectrum, and the high X-ray and radio luminosities imply that HD 61396 is most likely to be a member of the RS CVn class of evolved active binary stars. Its X-ray and radio luminosities place it among the five most luminous active binaries detected so far.     

Coordinated monitoring of the eccentric O-star binary Iota Orionis: optical spectroscopy and photometry

With the objective of investigating the windwind collision phenomenon and supporting contemporaneous X-ray observations, we have organized a large-scale, coordinated optical monitoring campaign of the massive, highly eccentric O9 III+B1 III binary Iota Orionis. Successfully separating the spectra of the components, we refine the orbital elements and confirm the rapid apsidal motion in the system. We also see strong interaction between the components during periastron passage and detect phase-locked variability in the spectrum of the secondary star. However, we find no unambiguous signs of the bow shock crashing on the surface of the secondary, despite the predictions of hydrodynamic simulations. Combining all available photometric data, we find rapid, phase-locked variations and model them numerically, thus restricting the orbital inclination to 50° i 70°.     

Orbital period modulation and magnetic cycles in close binaries

We discuss the observed orbital period modulations in close binaries, and focus on the mechanism proposed by Applegate relating the changes of the stellar internal rotation associated with a magnetic activity cycle with the variation of the gravitational quadrupole moment of the active component; the variation of this quadrupole moment in turn forces the orbital motion of the binary stars to follow the activity level of the active star. We generalize this approach by considering the details of this interaction, and develop some illustrative examples in which the problem can be easily solved in analytical form. Starting from such results, we consider the interplay between rotation and magnetic field generation in the framework of different types of dynamo models, which have been proposed to explain solar and stellar activity. We show how the observed orbital period modulation in active binaries may provide new constraints for discriminating between such models. In particular, we study the case of the prototype active binary RS Canum Venaticorum, and suggest that torsional oscillations — driven by a stellar magnetic dynamo — may account for the observed behaviour of this star. Further possible applications of the relationship between magnetic activity and orbital period modulation, related to the recent discovery of binary systems containing a radio pulsar and a convecting upper main-sequence or a late-type low-mass companion, are discussed.     

Astrophysical supplements to the ASCC‐2.5. I. Radial velocity data

We present a catalogue of radial velocities of Galactic stars with high precision astrometric data CRVAD which is the result of the cross‐identification of star lists from the General Catalog of Average Radial Velocities (GCRV) and from the homogeneous All‐sky Compiled Catalogue of 2.5Million Stars (ASCC‐2.5). The CRVAD includes accurate J2000 equatorial coordinates, proper motions and trigonometric parallaxes in the Hipparcos system, Johnson's BV photometric data, spectral types, multiplicity and variability flags from the ASCC‐2.5, and radial velocities, stellar magnitudes and spectral types from the GCRV for 34553 ASCC‐2.5 stars. The CRVAD was used for the construction of a sample of standard stars with accurate astrometric, photometric and radial velocity data for the RAVE project. A second application of the CRVAD , the radial velocity determination for 292 open clusters (including 97 with previously unknown radial velocities), using their newly defined members from proper motions and photometry in the ASCC‐2.5, is briefly described. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A spectral differential approach to characterizing low‐mass companions to late‐type stars

In this paper, we develop a spectral differential technique with which the dynamical mass of low‐mass companions can be found. This method aims at discovering close companions to late‐type stars by removing the stellar spectrum through a subtraction of spectra obtained at different orbital phases and discovering the companion spectrum in the difference spectrum in which the companion lines appear twice (positive and negative signal). The resulting radial velocity difference of these two signals provides the true mass of the companion, if the orbital solution for the radial velocities of the primary is known. We select the CO line region in the K band for our study, because it provides a favourable star‐to‐companion brightness ratio for our test case GJ 1046, an M2V dwarf with a low‐mass companion that most likely is a brown dwarf. Furthermore, these lines remain largely unblended in the difference spectrum so that the radial velocity amplitude of the companion can be measured directly. Only if the companion rotates rapidly and has a small radial velocity due to a high mass, does blending occur for all lines so that our approach fails. We also consider activity of the host star, and show that the companion difference flux can be expected to have larger amplitude than the residual signal from the active star so that stellar activity does not inhibit the determination of the companion mass. In addition to determining the companion mass, we restore the single companion spectrum from the difference spectrum using singular value decomposition. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Radial velocity study of the pulsating subdwarf B star and possible Type Ia supernova progenitor KPD 1930+2752

We report the results of a high-time-resolution radial velocity study of the subdwarf B star and possible Type Ia supernova progenitor KPD 1930+2752. There were no significant peaks in the power spectrum of the velocity curve above our detection limit, about 4 km s⁻¹, at the frequencies where peaks arising from pulsation were present in the photometric data of previous researchers. We report an orbital velocity amplitude,  348.5±1 km s^-1  , in agreement with that reported by previous investigators. We find an orbital period of   P =0.095 093 08±0.000 000 15 d  based on our data and the ephemeris of Maxted et al.     

A possible detection mechanism for pre-low-mass X-ray binaries

This work presents a possible detection mechanism for close, detached, neutron star–red dwarf binaries, which are expected to be the evolutionary precursors of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs). Although this pre-low-mass X-ray binary (pre-LMXB) phase of evolution is predicted theoretically, as yet no such systems have been identified observationally. The calculations presented here suggest that the X-ray luminosity of neutron star wind accretion in a pre-LMXB system can be expected to exceed the intrinsic X-ray luminosity of the red dwarf secondary star. Furthermore, the temperature of the radiation emitted from the neutron star wind accretion process is expected, within the confines of a reasonable set of conditions, to lie within the detection range of X-ray satellites. Sources with X-ray luminosities greater than that expected for a red dwarf star, but the positions of which coincide with that of a red dwarf star, are then candidate pre-LMXB systems. These candidate systems should be surveyed for the radial velocity shifts that would occur as a result of the orbital motion of a red dwarf star within a close binary system containing a high-mass compact object.