Open AccessV432 Per, a close binary star in poor thermal contact
Author(s) -
Odell Andrew P.,
Eaton Joel A.,
LópezCruz Omar
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.058
H-Index - 383
eISSN - 1365-2966
pISSN - 0035-8711
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2966.2009.15600.x
Subject(s) - contact binary , physics , thermal contact , binary star , astrophysics , stars , binary number , mass ratio , eclipse , stellar evolution , astronomy , thermal , radius , binary system , starspot , meteorology , arithmetic , mathematics , computer security , computer science
In a program instigated to understand close, possibly contact binary stars which appear to be in poor thermal contact, we have re‐observed V432 Per both photometrically and spectroscopically. We conclude that the mass ratio is likely in the range q = 0.30–0.38 , and the system clearly has a transit primary eclipse. The face of the less massive secondary towards the primary seems to be significantly hotter than expected. It was hoped that spectral line profiles would allow determination of this spot's radius ( r spot ), but the low mass of the secondary precluded this. With the existing observations, it is impossible to say whether this system is a true contact binary ( r spot 30°–90°), is semidetached ( r spot 90°–120°) or is marginally detached ( r spot 120°–150°). However, while it may be marginally in physical contact, it is clearly in poor thermal contact. With its short period and marginal contact, this system merits further attention as a potential transitional species in binary‐star evolution.