The post-common-envelope binary central star of the planetary nebula Ou 5: a doubly-eclipsing post-red-giant-branch system

TL;DR

This study characterizes the binary central star of planetary nebula Ou 5, revealing a low-mass, oversized companion and suggesting a post-RGB evolutionary status, using novel spectral and photometric analysis.

Contribution

First isolated spectra of the companion star in a post-common-envelope planetary nebula, combined with detailed modeling to determine stellar and orbital parameters.

Findings

Companion is a late K- or early M-type dwarf.

Companion's radius is larger than expected for its mass.

Progenitor's properties suggest post-RGB evolution.

Abstract

We present a detailed study of the stellar and orbital parameters of the post-common envelope binary central star of the planetary nebula Ou~5. Low-resolution spectra obtained during the primary eclipse -- to our knowledge the first isolated spectra of the companion to a post-common-envelope planetary nebula central star -- were compared to catalogue spectra, indicating that the companion star is a late K- or early M-type dwarf. Simultaneous modelling of multi-band photometry and time-resolved radial velocity measurements was then used to independently determine the parameters of both stars as well as the orbital period and inclination. The modelling indicates that the companion star is low mass ($\sim$0.25~M$_\odot$) and has a radius significantly larger than would be expected for its mass. Furthermore, the effective temperature and surface gravity of nebular progenitor, as derived by the modelling, do not lie on single-star post-AGB evolutionary tracks, instead being more consistent with a post-RGB evolution. However, an accurate determination of the component masses is challenging. This is principally due to the uncertainty on the locus of the spectral lines generated by the irradiation of the companion's atmosphere by the hot primary (used to derive companion star's radial velocities), as well as the lack of radial velocities of the primary.