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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 April 2016
The observations of α Vir with the Narrabri Stellar Intensity Interferometer demonstrated the potential of long baseline interferometry for the determination of fundamental properties of double-lined spectroscopic binary systems. Since the completion of the programme with the Narrabri instrument the Chatterton Astronomy Department has been conducting a study aimed at developing a stellar interferometer with limiting magnitude V ≳ +8 and maximum baseline ≳ 1 km (resolution at 500 nm ≲ 7 × 10−5 seconds of arc). The way in which a long baseline interferometer may be used in the study of binary stars is outlined, the requirements for this work are discussed, and the current status and future plans of the Chatterton Astronomy Department’s programme to develop a new long baseline interferometer are summarised.