The 2.35 year itch of Cygnus OB2 #9. I. Optical and X-ray monitoring

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2012), 546

Context. Nonthermal radio emission in massive stars is expected to arise in wind-wind collisions occurring inside a binary system. One such case, the O-type star Cyg OB2 #9, was proven to be a binary only ... [more ▼]

Context. Nonthermal radio emission in massive stars is expected to arise in wind-wind collisions occurring inside a binary system. One such case, the O-type star Cyg OB2 #9, was proven to be a binary only four years ago, but the orbital parameters remained uncertain. The periastron passage of 2011 was the first one to be observable under good conditions since the discovery of binarity. <BR /> Aims: In this context, we have organized a large monitoring campaign to refine the orbital solution and to study the wind-wind collision. <BR /> Methods: This paper presents the analysis of optical spectroscopic data, as well as of a dedicated X-ray monitoring performed with Swift and XMM-Newton. <BR /> Results: In light of our refined orbital solution, Cyg OB2 #9 appears as a massive O+O binary with a long period and high eccentricity; its components (O5-5.5I for the primary and O3-4III for the secondary) have similar masses and similar luminosities. The new data also provide the first evidence that a wind-wind collision is present in the system. In the optical domain, the broad Hα line varies, displaying enhanced absorption and emission components at periastron. X-ray observations yield the unambiguous signature of an adiabatic collision, because as the stars approach periastron, the X-ray luminosity closely follows the 1/D variation expected in that case. The X-ray spectrum appears, however, slightly softer at periastron, which is probably related to winds colliding at slightly lower speeds at that time. <BR /> Conclusions: It is the first time that such a variation has been detected in O+O systems, and the first case where the wind-wind collision is found to remain adiabatic even at periastron passage. [less ▲]

Evidence for a physically bound third component in HD 150136

in Astronomy and Astrophysics (2012), 540

Context. HD 150136 is one of the nearest systems harbouring an O3 star. Although this system was considered for a long time as a binary, more recent investigations have suggested the possible existence of ... [more ▼]

Context. HD 150136 is one of the nearest systems harbouring an O3 star. Although this system was considered for a long time as a binary, more recent investigations have suggested the possible existence of a third component. <BR /> Aims: We present a detailed analysis of HD 150136 to test its triple nature. In addition, we investigate the physical properties of the individual components of this system. <BR /> Methods: We analysed high-resolution, high signal-to-noise data collected through multi-epoch runs spread over ten years. We applied a disentangling program to refine the radial velocities and to obtain the individual spectra of each star. With the radial velocities, we computed the orbital solution of the inner system, and we describe the main properties of the orbit of the outer star such as the preliminary mass ratio, the eccentricity, and the orbital-period range. With the individual spectra, we determined the stellar parameters of each star by means of the CMFGEN atmosphere code. <BR /> Results: We offer clear evidence that HD 150136 is a triple system composed of an O3V((f[SUP]∗[/SUP]))-3.5V((f[SUP]+[/SUP])), an O5.5-6V((f)), and an O6.5-7V((f)) star. The three stars are between 0-3 Myr old. We derive dynamical masses of about 64, 40, and 35 M[SUB]&sun;[/SUB] for the primary, the secondary and the third components by assuming an inclination of 49° (sin[SUP]3[/SUP]i = 0.43). It currently corresponds to one of the most massive systems in our galaxy. The third star moves with a period in the range of 2950 to 5500 d on an outer orbit with an eccentricity of at least 0.3. However, because of the long orbital period, our dataset is not sufficient to constrain the orbital solution of the tertiary component with high accuracy. <BR /> Conclusions: We confirm there is a tertiary star in the spectrum of HD 150136 and show that it is physically bound to the inner binary system. This discovery makes HD 150136 the first confirmed triple system with an O3 primary star. Table 1 is available in electronic form at <A href="http://www.aanda.org">http://www.aanda.org</A> [less ▲]

A first orbital solution for the non-thermal radio emitter Cyg OB2 #9

in Bulletin de la Société Royale des Sciences de Liège (2011), 80

We reported in 2008 the first detection of the binary nature of Cyg OB2 #9. Since then, we have continued our spectroscopic monitoring of this object, doubling the number of available spectra of the star ... [more ▼]

We reported in 2008 the first detection of the binary nature of Cyg OB2 #9. Since then, we have continued our spectroscopic monitoring of this object, doubling the number of available spectra of the star while covering a second periastron passage. Using a variety of techniques, the radial velocities were estimated and a first, preliminary orbital solution was derived (P=2.4 yrs). The mass ratio appears close to unity and the eccentricity is large, 0.7-0.75. [less ▲]

First Orbital Solution for the Non-thermal Emitter Cyg OB2 No. 9

in Astrophysical Journal (2010), 719

After the first detection of its binary nature, the spectroscopic monitoring of the non-thermal radio emitter Cyg OB2 No. 9 (P = 2.4 yr) has continued, doubling the number of available spectra of the star ... [more ▼]

After the first detection of its binary nature, the spectroscopic monitoring of the non-thermal radio emitter Cyg OB2 No. 9 (P = 2.4 yr) has continued, doubling the number of available spectra of the star. Since the discovery paper of 2008, a second periastron passage has occurred in 2009 February. Using a variety of techniques, the radial velocities could be estimated and a first, preliminary orbital solution was derived from the He I 5876 line. The mass ratio appears close to unity and the eccentricity is large, i.e., 0.7-0.75. X-ray data from 2004 and 2007 are also analyzed in quest of peculiarities linked to binarity. The observations reveal neither large overluminosity nor strong hardness, but it must be noted that the high-energy data were taken after the periastron passage, at a time where colliding wind emission may be low. Some unusual X-ray variability is however detected, with a 10% flux decrease between 2004 and 2007. To clarify their origin and find a more obvious signature of the wind-wind collision, additional data, taken at periastron and close to it, are needed. Based on observations collected at the Haute-Provence Observatory and with XMM-Newton, an ESA Science Mission with instruments and contributions directly funded by ESA Member States and the USA (NASA). [less ▲]

Hot stars survey with the GAIA space mission

Poster (2009)