The Origin of Binary Stars

University Of California-Berkeley, Berkeley CA

Investigators

Abstract

Stahler, Steven "The Origin of Binary Stars" AST-9987266 Dr. Stahler is conducting an observational and theoretical investigation of the earliest stages of the binary star formation process. He has selected a sample of mid-infrared (IR) sources that are likely to be the sites of early star formation. The IRTF, CTIO and Keck telescopes will be used to image them at 5, 10, and 20 micrometers. Using this new data, along with published near-IR data, he will reconstruct each source's emitted spectral energy distribution and identify any pairs of condensation nuclei that may signal binary protostar formation. In parallel with the observational work, Stahler will construct detailed numerical models of elongated magnetized cloud cores. These models will be evolved through the point at which one or more condensation nuclei form. The goal of this effort will be to reproduce in these models the luminosity and spatial separation of any primitive binary detected, and to identify the parameters which govern the formation of multiple systems. Funding for this project was provided by the NSF program for Stellar Astronomy & Astrophysics (AST/SAA). ***