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Using SIM for Double Star Astronomy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 July 2007

Michael Shao
Michael Shao*
Affiliation:
Jet Propulsions Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA email: [email protected]
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Abstract

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The SIM (Planet Quest) mission is a space-based long-baseline stellar interferometer designed for ultra-precise astrometry. This paper describes how SIM can be used for double star research. There are several regimes of operation. For binary stars separated by more than 1″.5, SIM treats these as distinct objects. Double stars less than ∼10 milliarcsec in separation are seen as a single object and SIM measures the photocenter of the composite object. Between 10 mas and 1″.15, SIM is able to see the double star as two distinct objects, but because photons from both stars are detected there is the possibility of increased noise and measurement bias. This paper describes how double stars are observed with SIM and what information can be derived.

Type
Contributed Papers
Information
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union , Volume 2 , Symposium S240: Binary Stars as Critical Tools & Tests in Contemporary Astrophysics , August 2006 , pp. 54 - 58
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2007