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Title: MASSIVE STAR MULTIPLICITY: THE CEPHEID W Sgr

Journal Article · · Astronomical Journal (New York, N.Y. Online)
 [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, MS 4, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 (United States)
  2. Science Programs, Computer Sciences Corporation, Space Telescope Science Institute, 3700 San Martin Dr., Baltimore MD 21218 (United States)
  3. Space Telescope Science Institute/CSC, 3700 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218 (United States)

We have obtained spectra of the W Sgr system with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The spectra resolve the system into a distant companion B which is the hottest star in the system and the spectroscopic binary (A = Aa + Ab). A and B are separated by 0.''16. We have extracted the spectra of both of these. We see no flux in the Aa + Ab spectrum which cannot be accounted for by the Cepheid, and put an upper limit on the spectral type and mass of the companion Ab of F5 V and {<=}1.4 M {sub sun}. Using the orbit from HST fine guidance sensor measurements from Benedict et al., this results in an upper limit to the mass of the Cepheid of {<=}5.4 M {sub sun}. We also discuss two possible distant companions. Based on the photometry from the Two Micron All Sky Survey Point Source Catalog, they are not physical companions of the W Sgr system.

OSTI ID:
21269275
Journal Information:
Astronomical Journal (New York, N.Y. Online), Vol. 137, Issue 3; Other Information: DOI: 10.1088/0004-6256/137/3/3700; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1538-3881
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English