The architecture of the hierarchical triple star KOI 928 from eclipse timing variations seen in Kepler photometry

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the hierarchical triple star system KOI 928 using eclipse timing variations observed in Kepler data to determine the system's architecture and orbital parameters.

Contribution

It provides detailed characterization of the triple star system KOI 928 through eclipse timing variations, revealing its orbital dynamics and mass distribution.

Findings

Binary orbital period: 4.98829 days

Total binary mass: 0.424 ± 0.017 solar masses

Insights into the system's architecture and dynamics

Abstract

We present a hierarchical triple star system (KIC 9140402) where a low mass eclipsing binary orbits a more massive third star. The orbital period of the binary (4.98829 Days) is determined by the eclipse times seen in photometry from NASA's Kepler spacecraft. The periodically changing tidal field, due to the eccentric orbit of the binary about the tertiary, causes a change in the orbital period of the binary. The resulting eclipse timing variations provide insight into the dynamics and architecture of this system and allow the inference of the total mass of the binary ($0.424 \pm 0.017 \text{M}_\odot$) and the orbital parameters of the binary about the central star.