Using Monte Carlo Simulations to Predict the Detection of White Dwarf Binary Star Systems

Faculty Sponsor

Todd Hillwig

Department/Program

Physics and Astronomy

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-23-2025

Abstract

Interest in close binary star systems has led to increased efforts to find more. One method of doing so involves taking 2 spectra of many objects of interest and comparing the radial velocities, or speed toward and away from us, derived from them in search of binarity. Statistical tests are then applied to determine if the measured difference in radial velocities is significant. A significant difference would indicate a binary, while an insignificant difference would not. An issue with this, which can be resolved by increasing the number of observations taken, is that a binary may go undetected if the spectra happen to be taken at similar points in its orbit. While the increase in number of observations would help, time and resources are valuable. As such, it is important to understand the level at which additional observations will improve the rate, or percentage, of binary detection. Here, a Monte Carlo simulation was run to create many theoretical binary systems of different inclinations, object masses, and orbital periods. These were then used to determine what fraction of systems would be detected as binaries using different numbers of observations. The simulations demonstrated increased binary detection rates for runs with 3 and 4 observations taken. Here we present the full method, results, and implications for scheduling observations that search for these types of binaries.

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