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EINSTEIN observations of BY Draconis variables and RS CVn binaries

Journal Article · · Astron. J.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/113129· OSTI ID:5577693

Observations of five BY Draconis variables and four RS Canum Venaticorum systems with the Einstein observatory are presented. All nine stars were detected. Although the BY Draconis stars have an average x-ray luminosity one to two orders of magnitude lower than the RS CVn binaries, at least three of these systems fit the L/sub x//L/sub bol/-vs-period relation first described by Walter and Bowyer for RS CVn's. Since one of the BY Draconis stars is almost certainly single, this result lends strong support to the suggestion that rapid rotation, and not duplicity, is the determining factor in defining the level of stellar activity in such stars. In addition, the x-ray data are consistent with the suggestion, made by Vogt and Fekel, that the BY Draconis stars are in the final stages of pre-main-sequence evolution.

Research Organization:
Columbia Astrophysics Laboratory, 538 West 120th Street, New York, New York 10027
OSTI ID:
5577693
Journal Information:
Astron. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astron. J.; (United States) Vol. 87:3; ISSN ANJOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English