21st Annual Student Research Conference
Searching for Delta Scuti Components in Eclipsing Binary Systems
Angela K. Postma
Dr. Matthew M. Beaky, Faculty Mentor
The first delta Scuti-type pulsation in an eclipsing binary system was discovered in 1971. Only 35 such systems are known, most of which were discovered in the last six years. The arrangement of a pulsating star in an eclipsing binary system represents a unique laboratory for astrophysical measurements. Delta Scuti pulsating components in eclipsing binary systems allow us to accurately derive the stellar masses and radii for each component star and they also serve an important role in asteroseismology. Several eclipsing binary systems which are candidates for exhibiting delta Scuti pulsations have been observed photometrically over multiple nights, using an SBIG ST-402 CCD camera and the Truman Observatory’s 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Plots of the varying brightness of the binary systems have been analyzed to verify if a delta Scuti component is present. Results of the ongoing project will be discussed.
Keywords: eclipsing binary, stars, astronomy, telescope, astrophysics, CCD photometry, lightcurve
Topic(s):Physics
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 24-4
Location: VH 1416
Time: 10:30