Photodynamical Modeling of the Fascinating Eclipses in the Triple-star System KOI-126

We explore the fascinating eclipses and dynamics of the compact hierarchical triple-star system KOI-126 (KIC 5897826). This system is composed of a pair of M-dwarf stars (KOI-126 B and C) in a 1.74 day orbit that revolve around an F star (KOI-126 A) every 34 days. Complex eclipse shapes are created as the M stars transit the F star, due to two effects: (1) the duration of the eclipse is a significant fraction of the M-star orbital period, so the prograde or retrograde motion of the M stars in their orbit lead to unusually short or long duration eclipses; (2) due to 3-body dynamics, the M-star orbit precesses with an astonishingly quick timescale of 1.74 yr for the periastron (apsidal) precession, and 2.73 yr for the inclination and nodal angle precession. Using the full Kepler data set, supplemented with ground-based photometry, plus 29 radial velocity measurements that span 6 yr, our photodynamical modeling yields masses of M A = 1.2713 ± 0.0047 M ⊙ (0.37%), M B = 0.23529 ± 0.00062 M ⊙ (0.26%), and M C = 0.20739 ± 0.00055 M ⊙ (0.27%) and radii of R A = 1.9984 ± 0.0027 R ⊙ (0.14%), R B = 0.25504 ± 0.00076 R ⊙ (0.3%), and R C = 0.23196 ± 0.00069 R ⊙ (0.3%). We also estimate the apsidal motion constant of the M dwarfs, a parameter that characterizes the internal mass distribution. Although it is not particularly precise, we measure a mean apsidal motion constant, k 2 ¯ , of 0.046 − 0.028 + 0.046 , which is approximately 2σ lower than the theoretical model prediction of 0.150. We explore possible causes for this discrepancy.

Orbital Stability of Planet-hosting Triple-star Systems according to Hill: Applications to Alpha Centauri and 16 Cygni

In this study we investigate aspects of orbital stability for the Alpha Centauri and 16 Cygni systems. They are planet-hosting triple star systems of highly hierarchic nature. For each system, orbital stability of the outlying stellar component and the observed exoplanet(s) are explored through assessing Hill stability. Orbital stability is identified for all components, including the observed system planets.

Simulating the Outcome of a Binary Neutron Star Merger in a Common Envelope Jets Supernova

We simulate the influence of the energy that the merger process of two neutron stars (NSs) releases inside a red supergiant (RSG) star on the RSG envelope inner to the merger location. In the triple-star common envelope evolution (CEE) that we consider, a tight binary system of two NSs spiraling in inside an RSG envelope and because of mass accretion and dynamical friction, the two NSs merge. We deposit merger-explosion energies of 3 × 1050 and 1051 erg at distances of 25 and 50 R ⊙ from the center of the RSG, and with the three-dimensional hydrodynamical code FLASH we follow the evolution of the RSG envelope in inner regions. For the parameters we explore, we find that more than 90% of the RSG envelope mass inward of the merger site stays bound to the RSG. NSs that experience CEE are likely to accrete RSG envelope mass through an accretion disk that launches jets. These jets power a luminous transient event, a common envelope jets supernova (CEJSN). The merger process adds to the CEJSN energy. Our finding implies that the interaction of the merger product, a massive NS or a BH, with the envelope can continue to release more energy, both by further inspiraling and by mass accretion by the merger product. Massive RSG envelopes can force the merger product to spiral into the core of the RSG, leading to an even more energetic CEJSN.

Search for (sub)stellar Companions of Exoplanet Hosts by Exploring the Second ESA-Gaia Data Release

We present the latest results of an ongoing multiplicity survey of exoplanet hosts, which was initiated at the Astrophysical Institute and University Observatory Jena, using data from the second data release of the ESA-Gaia mission. In this study the multiplicity of 289 targets was investigated, all located within a distance of about 500 pc from the Sun. In total, 41 binary, and five hierarchical triple star systems with exoplanets were detected in the course of this project, yielding a multiplicity rate of the exoplanet hosts of about 16%. A total of 61 companions (47 stars, a white dwarf, and 13 brown dwarfs) were detected around the targets, whose equidistance and common proper motion with the exoplanet hosts were proven with their precise Gaia DR2 astrometry, which also agrees with the gravitational stability of most of these systems. The detected companions exhibit masses from about 0.016 up to 1.66 M⊙ and projected separations in the range between about 52 and 9,555 au.

The five axes of the Turtle: symmetry and asymmetry in NGC 6210

We carry out a comprehensive kinematic and morphological study of the asymmetrical planetary nebula: NGC 6210, known as the Turtle. The nebula’s spectacularly chaotic appearance has led to proposals that it was shaped by mass transfer in a triple star system. We study the three-dimensional structure and kinematics of its shells, lobes, knots, and haloes by combining radial velocity mapping from multiple long-slit spectra with proper motion measurements from multi-epoch imaging. We find that the nebula has five distinct ejection axes. The first is the axis of the bipolar, wind-blown inner shell, while the second is the axis of the lop-sided, elliptical, fainter, but more massive intermediate shell. A further two axes are bipolar flows that form the point symmetric, high-ionization outer lobes, all with inclinations close to the plane of the sky. The final axis, which is inclined close to the line of sight, traces collimated outflows of low-ionization knots. We detect major changes in outflow directions during the planetary nebula phase, starting at or before the initial ionization of the nebula 3500 years ago. Most notably, the majority of redshifted low-ionization knots have kinematic ages greater than 2000 years, whereas the majority of blueshifted knots have ages younger than 2000 years. Such a sudden and permanent 180-degree flip in the ejection axis at a relatively late stage in the nebular evolution is a challenge to models of planetary nebula formation and shaping.