Variation of the Radial Velocity of Epsilon Cygni A
Abstract
A series of 217 measurements of the radial velocity of the K0-III star Epsilon Cygni A were made between 1987 May 16 and 1992 May 17 with an uncertainty per observation of +/- 12 m s^-1. The results are inconsistent with the listed status of Epsilon Cygni A as a spectroscopic binary with an amplitude of 5 km s^-1 and a period of 20 days. Instead, they indicate a sustained drift of -60 m s^-1 y^-1. If the companion inducing this deceleration is in a circular orbit, the period must be at least 15 years. Lower limits on the companion's mass are presented as functions of period and primary mass. The companion is probably more massive than a planet. (SECTION: Stars)
- Publication:
-
Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
- Pub Date:
- December 1992
- DOI:
- 10.1086/133105
- Bibcode:
- 1992PASP..104.1173M
- Keywords:
-
- Companion Stars;
- Periodic Variations;
- Radial Velocity;
- Stellar Mass;
- Stellar Motions;
- Circular Orbits;
- Stellar Orbits;
- Astrophysics;
- STARS: INDIVIDUAL: EPSILON CYGNI A;
- STARS: KINEMATICS;
- BINARIES: SPECTROSCOPIC