A Search for Be Stars in Multiple Systems within the Solar Neighborhood
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Be stars are widely considered to be the product of binary interaction. However, whether all Be stars are formed via binary interaction is unclear, and detailed estimates of the multiplicity of Be stars and characterization of their components are required. In this study, we present speckle observations of 76 Be stars taken using the Gemini North and South speckle imagers spanning angular separations of 20 mas–1 . ″ 2, reaching contrasts Δ m ∼ 5–6 mag at separations around 0 . ″ 1. We identify 11 (6 previously unreported) binaries having separations in the 10–1000 au range, and Δ m between 0.8 and 5 mag in our sample. Using archival data to search for components outside our visibility range, we add further multiples (16), which include three triples, leading to a total of 24 multiple systems. Our findings rule out a multiplicity fraction >27% at the 3 σ level within the speckle observations separation range and detection limits. Future homogeneous spectroscopic/interferometric observations are essential to probe the inner separations, and along with analysis of available astrometry can cover the entire separation range to characterize the multiplicity fraction, and evolutionary scenario of Be stars.
Source: The Astrophysical Journal
Institutions: International Gemini Observatory, Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center, Polish Academy of Sciences, University of Valparaíso, University of Leeds, Royal Observatory of Belgium, Ames Research Center, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach Florida Campus, Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, United States Naval Observatory, Georgia State University, Mount Wilson Observatory, Xiamen University
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,499
OpenAlex ID: W4415849545