Tidally Tilted Pulsators

TL;DR

Tidally tilted pulsators are a newly identified class of oscillating stars in close binary systems, with their pulsation axes aligned with the orbital plane due to tidal effects, enabling unique asteroseismic analysis.

Contribution

This paper introduces the concept of tidally tilted pulsators, describes their discovery, and demonstrates analysis methods, highlighting their potential for combined binary and asteroseismic studies.

Findings

First three examples of tidally tilted pulsators identified

Pulsations visible over nearly 360 degrees of aspect

Potential for detailed mode identification in binary systems

Abstract

The tidally tilted pulsators are a new type of oscillating star in close binary systems that have their pulsation axis in the orbital plane because of the tidal distortion caused by their companion. We describe this group of stars on the basis of the first three representatives discovered and illustrate the basic methods used for their analysis. Their value for astrophysical study is rooted in the combination of the strengths of binary star and asteroseismic analyses; pulsational mode identifications can be achieved because the oscillations are visible over nearly 360 degrees of aspect throughout the orbital cycle. An illustrative case of a particularly interesting system is presented.