One is the loneliest number: multiplicity in cool dwarfs

TL;DR

This paper investigates the hierarchical structures of multiple star systems, especially M dwarfs, using Gaia EDR3 data, revealing that wide-separation components often have their own sub-systems, enhancing understanding of stellar formation.

Contribution

It presents new discoveries of multiple systems involving M dwarfs and analyzes their hierarchical configurations using Gaia EDR3 data.

Findings

Wide-separation components are often multiple systems themselves

New multiple systems involving M dwarfs were identified

Hierarchical structures are common in stellar multiple systems

Abstract

Stars in multiple systems offer a unique opportunity to learn about stellar formation and evolution. As they settle down into stable configurations, multiple systems occur in a variety of hierarchies and a wide range of separations between the components. We examine 11 known and 11 newly discovered multiple systems including at least one M dwarf with the latest astrometric data from Gaia Early Data Release 3 (EDR3). We find that the individual components of systems at very wide separations are often multiple systems themselves.