Optical Observations of Short Period Binary Star Systems

Indianapolis, IN

Short period binary star systems are systems of two stars orbiting relatively closely to one another. Much information can be gained from the study of such systems, especially from observing the light curve (the flux variability of the system over time) and other orbital parameters of the system. Analysis of perturbations in the periodic fluctuation of the light curve could potentially detect the existence of exoplanets in some of these systems. Recently, several such binary systems were observed as a part of a survey conducted by Anderson University's new custom-built, 16 inch Parallax Instruments reflecting telescope. Light curves of these systems were collected using a CCD camera attached to the telescope, and are presented here.