Geometry and dynamics of the Algol system
Abstract
A comprehensive analysis of previously published observations of Algol is presented. The two orbits are found to be co-planar, but with opposite senses of revolution. The close orbit is strictly circular, and thus apsidal motion cannot explain the 32(y) period in the times of minima. The main part of the work is a simultaneous analysis of 21 different photoelectric light-curves. The secondary component fills its Roche lobe, and its temperature is near 5000 K (plus or minus 500 K). The observations of circumstellar matter cannot be explained by a narrow ('particle dynamics') stream from Algol B to Algol A, and probably magnetic forces play a role. The period-changes indicate that mass and angular momentum are lost from the system, and again magnetic interactions could be involved. Speculatively, the 32(y) periodicity (which is not strict) is interpreted as some kind of magnetic cycle.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- September 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980A&A....89..100S
- Keywords:
-
- Algol;
- Astronomical Photometry;
- Eclipsing Binary Stars;
- Stellar Motions;
- Light Curve;
- Magnetic Fields;
- Mass Transfer;
- Stellar Envelopes;
- Stellar Mass;
- Ultraviolet Photometry;
- Astrophysics