Radial Velocity Studies of Close Binary Stars. XIV

TL;DR

This study provides detailed radial velocity measurements and orbital fits for ten close binary systems, revealing multiple quadruple and triple systems, supporting the idea that close binaries often form within multiple stellar systems.

Contribution

First comprehensive radial velocity analysis of ten close binary stars, identifying new multiple systems and supporting formation theories of close binaries in multiples.

Findings

Discovery of two quadruple systems, TZ Boo and V2610 Oph.

Identification of three triple systems among low amplitude binaries.

Most studied systems are contact binaries, with some being detached or semi-detached.

Abstract

Radial-velocity measurements and sine-curve fits to the orbital radial velocity variations are presented for ten close binary systems: TZ Boo, VW Boo, EL Boo, VZ CVn, GK Cep, RW Com, V2610 Oph, V1387 Ori, AU Ser, and FT UMa. Our spectroscopy revealed two quadruple systems, TZ Boo and V2610 Oph, while three stars showing small photometric amplitudes, EL Boo, V1387 Ori, and FT UMa, were found to be triple systems. GK Cep is close binary with a faint third component. While most of the studied eclipsing systems are contact binaries, VZ CVn and GK Cep are detached or semi-detached double-lined binaries, and EL Boo, V1387 Ori and FT UMa are close binaries of uncertain binary type. The large fraction of triple and quadruple systems found in this sample supports the hypothesis of formation of close binaries in multiple stellar systems; it also demonstrates that low photometric amplitude binaries are a fertile ground for further discoveries of multiple systems.