Bibcode
Taylor, W. D.; Evans, C. J.; Sana, H.; Walborn, N. R.; de Mink, S. E.; Stroud, V. E.; Alvarez-Candal, A.; Barbá, R. H.; Bestenlehner, J. M.; Bonanos, A. Z.; Brott, I.; Crowther, P. A.; de Koter, A.; Friedrich, K.; Gräfener, G.; Hénault-Brunet, V.; Herrero, A.; Kaper, L.; Langer, N.; Lennon, D. J.; Maíz Apellániz, J.; Markova, N.; Morrell, N.; Monaco, L.; Vink, J. S.
Bibliographical reference
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Volume 530, id.L10
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6
2011
Journal
Citations
39
Refereed citations
29
Description
We report the discovery that R139 in 30 Doradus is a massive
spectroscopic binary system. Multi-epoch optical spectroscopy of R139
was obtained as part of the VLT-FLAMES Tarantula Survey, revealing a
double-lined system. The two components are of similar spectral types;
the primary exhibits strong C III λ4650 emission and is
classified as an O6.5 Iafc supergiant, while the secondary is an O6 Iaf
supergiant. The radial-velocity variations indicate a highly eccentric
orbit with a period of 153.9 days. Photometry obtained with the Faulkes
Telescope South shows no evidence for significant variability within an
18 month period. The orbital solution yields lower mass limits for the
components of M1sin3i = 78 ± 8
M&sun; and M2sin3i = 66 ± 7
M&sun;. As R139 appears to be the most massive binary system
known to contain two evolved Of supergiants, it will provide an
excellent test for atmospheric and evolutionary models.
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Physical properties and evolution of Massive Stars
This project aims at the searching, observation and analysis of massive stars in nearby galaxies to provide a solid empirical ground to understand their physical properties as a function of those key parameters that gobern their evolution (i.e. mass, spin, metallicity, mass loss, and binary interaction). Massive stars are central objects to
Sergio
Simón Díaz