Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Feb 2012
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2012a%26a...538a..74p&link_type=abstract
Astronomy & Astrophysics, Volume 538, id.A74
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Binaries: Close, Stars: Formation, Stars: Massive
Scientific paper
Context. Two different formation scenarios for stars of masses larger than 10 M&sun; exist. Although simulations within both scenarios are capable of producing stars up to the highest observed masses, the relevance of the two formation scenarios for massive star-formation is not yet clear. Aims: We aim to detect companions to massive stars to constrain the binary parameters of the multiple systems. These findings will help to constrain the formation of massive stars. Methods: We performed z'-band observations of massive and intermediate-mass stars in the Cep OB2/3 associations with the Lucky imaging camera AstraLux on the 2.2 m telescope of the Calar Alto observatory. The analysis aimed at detecting binary systems with separations out to 2".2 (~1700 AU), the inner limit depending on the contrast. The maximum contrast of 7 mag in z' (corresponding to a mass contrast of 17:1 versus an O9V primary) requires a minimum separation of 0".7 (~550 AU). Results: We found 28 new companions for our sample of 148 intermediate-mass and massive stars in Cep OB2/3. The companion star fraction of the massive stars is 0.7; about 50% of the systems are triples. The mass function of the companions to the massive stars is strongly top-heavy. We found that the sample parameters closely agreed with those found in the Orion Trapezium cluster. Conclusions: The multiplicity of massive stars seems to be significantly higher than that of intermediate-mass stars, independently of the environment. The comparison of our findings with the theories of massive star-formation favor the formation of massive stars by the fragmentation of proto-stellar cores combined with competitive accretion.
Appendix A in available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org
Feldt Markus
Henning Th
Hormuth Felix
Peter David
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