The Strange Case of Beta Lyrae
Abstract
The interior structure and composition of Beta Lyrae are examined. Beta Lyrae is composed of a primary (B8 giant) and a secondary component; the primary component is less massive (2 solar masses) than the secondary component (12 solar masses) and is shedding its outer layer and transferring it to the secondary component. The development of binaries from main-sequence dwafs to red giants is described. The chemical composition of Beta Lyrae and the CNO cycle are analyzed. The binary displays He poorness, He richness, C,N,O abundances characteristic of hydrogen burning, and a cosmic dose of other elements. The three episodes of mass transfer for Beta Lyrae, which will result in the Beta Lyrae system forming a single compact object, are discussed.
- Publication:
-
Sky and Telescope
- Pub Date:
- October 1987
- Bibcode:
- 1987S&T....74..354T
- Keywords:
-
- Binary Stars;
- Stellar Composition;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Stellar Interiors;
- Light Curve;
- Star Formation;
- Stellar Mass;
- Astronomy