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- Cygnus OB2: A Laboratory for Massive Binaries, Runaway Stars, and Triggered Star Formation
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Cygnus OB2: A Laboratory for Massive Binaries, Runaway Stars, and Triggered Star Formation
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Abstract
The Wyoming Cygnus OB2 Radial Velocity Survey has identified dozens of new OB stars in this region while measuring orbital parameters for 15 binary systems, bringing the known total to 20. From these data we have modeled the distribution of binary parameters. We conclude that the slope of the distribution of periods is approximately flat in log space and that the slope of the distribution of mass ratios is either flat or slightly favoring larger q. However, there appears to be an excess of systems with 3–5 day periods and a deficit of systems with 7–14 day periods. From among ± 120 systems surveyed we find only one radial velocity runaway —a binary system! A Search of Spitzer Space Telescope images of the Cygnus X region reveals several bowshocks from high-velocity early type stars. We use the principles of bowshock physics to derive a novel technique for estimating the mass loss rates of runaway stars.
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About: Henry A. Kobulnicky
Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82072, USA
About: Daniel C. Kiminki
Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82072, USA