Orbital parameters of the bright binary alpha Draconis based on amateur spectra from the STAROS database

TL;DR

This study utilizes amateur spectra from the STAROS database to determine the orbital parameters of alpha Draconis, demonstrating the value of amateur contributions in high-resolution stellar spectroscopy.

Contribution

It presents a comprehensive orbital analysis of alpha Draconis using amateur spectra, including radial velocity curves, orbital elements, and spectral disentangling techniques.

Findings

Homogeneously covered radial velocity curve established

Orbital elements of alpha Draconis redetermined

Spectral disentangling used to search for companion star

Abstract

We present the results of a STAROS monitoring campaign on the bright eclipsing binary star alpha Draconis. Over 200 high-resolution spectra were obtained by an international group of amateur astronomers. We were able to calculate an homogeneously covered radial velocity curve and redetermine the orbital elements of the alpha Draconis system. From the data set, we estimated the quality of our observations and accuracy of our radial velocity measurements. Finally, we have also implemented a spectral disentangling method to search for the signature of a companion star and used atmosphere models to constrain the atmospheric parameters of the system.