Eclipsing Stellar Binaries in the Galactic Center

TL;DR

This paper investigates the likelihood of detecting eclipses in stellar binaries near the Galactic Center, considering the effects of Kozai-Lidov oscillations and relativistic precession, with implications for observing such systems.

Contribution

It provides a calculation of eclipse probabilities for binaries near the Galactic Center, highlighting conditions that increase detection chances.

Findings

Eclipse probability for binaries near the Galactic Center is approximately 30-50%.

Higher eccentricity or inclination increases the likelihood of observing eclipses.

Relativistic precession can suppress Kozai-Lidov oscillations, affecting binary evolution.

Abstract

Compact stellar binaries are expected to survive in the dense environment of the Galactic Center. The stable binaries may undergo Kozai-Lidov oscillations due to perturbations from the central supermassive black hole (Sgr A*), yet the General Relativistic precession can suppress the Kozai-Lidov oscillations and keep the stellar binaries from merging. However, it is challenging to resolve the binary sources and distinguish them from single stars. The close separation of the stable binaries allow higher eclipse probabilities. Here, we consider the massive star SO2 as an example and calculate the probability of detecting eclipses, assuming it is a binary. We find that the eclipse probability is ~ 30-50%, reaching higher values when the stellar binary is more eccentric or highly inclined relative to its orbit around Sgr A*.