Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2002-01-10
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
9 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in AJ (April 2002 issue)
Scientific paper
10.1086/339560
We discuss a method to determine orbital properties and masses of low-mass bodies orbiting eclipsing binaries. The analysis combines long-term eclipse timing modulations (light-travel time or LTT effect) with short-term, high-accuracy astrometry. As an illustration of the method, the results of a comprehensive study of Hipparcos astrometry and over a hundred years of eclipse timings of the Algol-type eclipsing binary R Canis Majoris are presented. A simultaneous solution of the astrometry and the LTTs yields an orbital period of P_12=92.8+/-1.3 yr, an LTT semiamplitude of 2574+/-57 s, an angular semi-major axis of a_12=117+/-5 mas, and values of the orbital eccentricity and inclination of e_12=0.49+/-0.05, and i_12=91.7+/-4.7 deg, respectively. Adopting the total mass of R CMa of M_12=1.24+/-0.05 Mo, the mass of the third body is M_3=0.34+/-0.02 Mo and the semi-major axis of its orbit is a_3=18.7+/-1.7 AU. From its mass, the third body is either a dM3-4 star or, more unlikely, a white dwarf. With the upcoming microarcsecond-level astrometric missions, the technique that we discuss can be successfully applied to detect and characterize long-period planetary-size objects and brown dwarfs around eclipsing binaries. Possibilities for extending the method to pulsating variables or stars with transiting planets are briefly addressed.
Arenou Frederic
Guinan Edward F.
Ribas Ignasi
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