Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2005-07-07
Mon.Not.Roy.Astron.Soc.Lett.362:L45-L49,2005
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Accepted for publication in MNRAS letters. 5 pages, 2 figures
Scientific paper
10.1111/j.1745-3933.2005.00073.x
We have used Monte Carlo simulation techniques and published radial velocity surveys to constrain the frequency of very low-mass star (VLMS) and brown dwarf (BD) binary systems and their separation (a) distribution. Gaussian models for the separation distribution with a peak at a = 4 au and 0.6 =< sigma(log(a/au)) =< 1.0 correctly predict the number of observed binaries, yielding a close (a<2.6 au) binary frequency of 17-30 per cent and an overall VLMS/BD binary frequency of 32-45 per cent. We find that the available N-body models of VLMS/BD formation from dynamically decaying protostellar multiple systems are excluded at >99 per cent confidence because they predict too few close binary VLMS/BDs. The large number of close binaries and high overall binary frequency are also very inconsistent with recent smoothed particle hydrodynamical modelling and argue against a dynamical origin for VLMS/BDs.
Jeffries Robin D.
Maxted Pierre F. L.
No associations
LandOfFree
On the frequency of close binary systems among very low-mass stars and brown dwarfs does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with On the frequency of close binary systems among very low-mass stars and brown dwarfs, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the frequency of close binary systems among very low-mass stars and brown dwarfs will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-479723