The first catalog of candidate white dwarf–main-sequence binaries in open star clusters: a new window into common envelope evolution
Files
Published version
Date
2024-11-01
Version
Published version
OA Version
Citation
S.M. Grondin, M.R. Drout, J. Nordhaus, P.S. Muirhead, J.S佳 Speagle 沈, R. Chornock. 2024. "The First Catalog of Candidate White Dwarf–Main-sequence Binaries in Open Star Clusters: A New Window into Common Envelope Evolution" The Astrophysical Journal (ApJ), Volume 976, Issue 1, pp.102-102. https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ad7500
Abstract
Close binary systems are the progenitors to both Type Ia supernovae and the compact object mergers that can be detected via gravitational waves. To achieve a binary with a small radial separation, it is believed that the system likely undergoes common envelope (CE) evolution. Despite its importance, CE evolution may be one of the largest uncertainties in binary evolution due to a combination of computational challenges and a lack of observed benchmarks where both the post-CE and pre-CE conditions are known. Identifying post-CE systems in star clusters can partially circumvent this second issue by providing an independent age constraint on the system. For the first time, we conduct a systematic search for white dwarf and main-sequence binary systems in 299 Milky Way open star clusters. Coupling Gaia DR3 photometry and kinematics with multiband photometry from Pan-STARRS1 and the Two Micron All Sky Survey, we apply a machine learning-based approach and find 52 high-probability candidates in 38 open clusters. For a subset of our systems, we present follow-up spectroscopy from the Gemini and Lick Observatories and archival light curves from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, Kepler/K2, and the Zwicky Transient Facility. Examples of M dwarfs with hot companions are spectroscopically observed, along with regular system variability. While the kinematics of our candidates are consistent with their host clusters, some systems have spatial positions offset relative to their hosts, potentially indicative of natal kicks. Ultimately, this catalog is a first step to obtaining a set of observational benchmarks to better link post-CE systems to their pre-CE progenitors.
Description
License
Original content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.