Masses and Distance of the Young Binary NTTS 045251+3016

TL;DR

This study provides revised dynamical masses and distance for the young binary NTTS 045251+3016, improving understanding of pre-main sequence star properties and testing theoretical models of stellar evolution.

Contribution

The paper presents new high-resolution astrometry and spectroscopy data leading to updated orbital parameters, masses, and distance for NTTS 045251+3016, refining previous measurements.

Findings

Primary mass: 0.86+/-0.11 M_sun

Secondary mass: 0.55+/-0.05 M_sun

Distance: 158.7+/-3.9 pc

Abstract

As part of our continuing campaign to measure the masses of pre-main sequence stars dynamically and thus to assess the reliability of the discrepant theoretical calculations of contraction to the main sequence, we present new results for NTTS 045251+3016, a visual and double-lined spectroscopic binary in the Taurus Star Forming Region. We obtained new high angular resolution astrometry and high spectral resolution spectroscopy at Keck Observatory. The new data lead to a significant revision of previously published orbital parameters. In particular, we find that the masses of the primary and secondary are 0.86+/-0.11 and 0.55+/-0.05 M_sun, respectively, smaller than previously reported, and that the system lies 158.7+/-3.9 pc from the sun, further than previously reported.