In: Physics
Spectra are taken of two stars in a binary system: Star A and Star B. Every 1.56 days, the H? line in star A goes from 2.5 ?A blueward of its rest (laboratory) wavelength to 2.5 ?A redward then back to 2.5 ?A blueward. The H? line in star B also cycles through shifts redward then blueward and back to redward with respect to the rest (laboratory) wavelength of H? every 3.96 days but its maximum deviation from the rest wavelength is 3.5 ?A. (a.) If the inclination of the system is unknown, estimate as best you can each star’s mass. Report your answer in units of solar masses. (b.) Given you measured a Doppler shift of the lines, would you expect this system to be eclipsing? Why or why not? (c.) If you suspected the lower mass star in the system was a White Dwarf, can you put any limits on the inclination of the system?