Two Be or Not Two Be: A New Companion detection for HD 52244 using HST/FGS

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of a new companion to the Be star HD 52244 using HST/FGS, demonstrating the instrument's capability for multiplicity surveys despite limited operational time.

Contribution

First detection of a companion to HD 52244 using HST FGS during a temporary operational period, expanding knowledge of Be star multiplicity.

Findings

Resolved a companion at 42.7 mas separation with 74 AU distance.

Measured a differential magnitude of 1.91 mag in F583W filter.

Provided a methodology for future wide or third companion searches.

Abstract

In this paper we present a newly detected companion to the Be star, HD 52244 (B2IVnpe), using the Fine Guidance Sensors (FGSs) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). In fall 2021, HST became momentarily unavailable to support nominal operations, and we used the operational FGS to carry out a multiplicity survey of 6 Be stars. We were able to resolve a companion to HD 52244, with a separation of 42.7 +/- 1.1 mas (74 AU) and a position angle of 144.2 +/- 0.3 with a differential magnitude in the F583W filter of 1.91 +/- 0.02 mag. This study presents the results to the newly detected companion of HD 52244 and lays the groundwork for future studies looking for wide or third companions to Be stars.