Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2006-10-09
Astrophys.J.654:L61-L64,2006
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
11 pages, 3 figures, accepted by ApJL; v2 includes a figure showing lack of H-K color variation
Scientific paper
10.1086/510720
We present a re-analysis of our H- and K-band photometry and light-curves for GCIRS 16SW, a regular periodic source near the Galactic center. These data include those presented by DePoy et al. (2004); we correct a sign error in their reduction, finding GCIRS 16SW to be an eclipsing binary with no color variations. We find the system to be an equal mass overcontact binary (both stars overfilling their Roche lobes) in a circular orbit with a period P=19.4513 days, an inclination angle i=71 degrees. This confirms and strengthens the findings of Martins et al. (2006) that GCIRS 16SW is an eclipsing binary composed of two ~50Msun stars, further supporting evidence of recent star formation very close to the Galactic center. Finally, the calculated luminosity of each component is close to the Eddington luminosity, implying that the temperature of 24400 K given by Najarro et al. (1997) might be overestimated for these evolved stars.
Bonanos Alceste Zoe
DePoy Darren L.
Peeples Molly S.
Pepper Joshua
Pinsonneault Marc H.
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