Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2000-01-12
MNRAS 314, 334, 2000
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
5 pages, 4 figures
Scientific paper
10.1046/j.1365-8711.2000.03343.x
WD1704+481 is a visual binary in which both components are white dwarfs. We present spectra of the H-alpha line of both stars which show that one component (WD1704+481.2 = Sanduleak B = GR 577) is a close binary with two white dwarf components. Thus, WD1704+481 is the first known triple degenerate star. From radial velocity measurements of the close binary we find an orbital period of 0.1448d, a mass ratio, q=Mbright/Mfaint of q=0.70+-0.03 and a difference in the gravitational redshifts of 11.5+-2.3km/s. The masses of the close pair of white dwarfs predicted by the mass ratio and gravitational redshift difference combined with theoretical cooling curves are 0.39+-0.05 solar mass and 0.56+-0.07 solar masses. WD1704+481 is therefore also likely to be the first example of a double degenerate in which the less massive white dwarf is composed of helium and the other white dwarf is composed of carbon and oxygen.
Han Zhangang
Marsh Thomas R.
Maxted Pierre F. L.
Moran C. K. J.
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