Title
Binary Stars in Planetary Nebulae
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Todd Hillwig
College
Arts and Sciences
Department/Program
Physics and Astronomy
ORCID Identifier(s)
0000-0002-4547-4897
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Summer 7-31-2017
Abstract
Planetary nebulae and their abnormal shapes have often been the topic of discussion among astronomers. Ideas for the cause of those shapes have bounced from a single star system with either extreme magnetic fields or rotation, to more recently a binary star system. This research explores the binary star theory, and has aided in showing that binary star systems are both theoretically likely and observationally common. The goal of this research is to identify binary systems in planetary nebulae out of a range of target objects, and when identified, to attempt to learn more about the binary system itself (i.e. type of companion, orbital period, etc.). One method for identifying binary systems is to look for changes in brightness caused by a close companion star. Work this summer used a program called AstroImageJ in order to measure the change in brightness of the target star and begin this identification process. We have been able to confirm two binary systems. One of which we determined to be a double degenerate binary system, consisting of two white dwarf or pre-white dwarf stars, and the other to be an eclipsing binary system. The hope is to continue identifying systems as the project continues.
Recommended Citation
Dilday, Madeline, "Binary Stars in Planetary Nebulae" (2017). Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium. 21.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/sires/21
Biographical Information about Author(s)
I’m a Junior at Valparaiso University studying Astronomy and Secondary Education. I initially became interested in binary star systems within planetary nebulae after completing upper level Astronomy courses. Throughout these courses I learned of the complicated history associated with planetary nebulae formation. The uncertainty surrounding the topic inspired me to pursue this summer research project to work towards a refined understanding of the formation of planetary nebulae and its connection to binary star systems.