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Main Authors: Lian, Ming, Niu, Jia-Shu, Xue, Hui-Fang
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.14189
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author Lian, Ming
Niu, Jia-Shu
Xue, Hui-Fang
author_facet Lian, Ming
Niu, Jia-Shu
Xue, Hui-Fang
contents In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the SX Phoenicis (SX Phe) type star CY Aquarii (CY Aqr). Our investigation included a detailed $O-C$ analysis based on a 90-year observational dataset, augmented by 1,367 newly determined times of maximum light. The $O-C$ diagram reveals that (i) the primary star of CY Aqr exhibits a linear period variation rate of $(1/P_0)(\mathrm{d} P/ \mathrm{d} t) = (2.132 \pm 0.002) \times 10^{-8} \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$ for its dominant pulsation mode; (ii) the primary star is disturbed by two companions and part of a triple system; (iii) Companion A has an orbital period of approximately 60.2 years and Companion B has an orbital period of approximately 50.8 years. It is highly probable that both Companion A and B are white dwarfs, with Companion A's elliptical orbit displaying an eccentricity of $e = 0.139 \pm 0.002$, which is the lowest confirmed value in similar binary and triple systems to date. Most notably, Companion A and B have masses that are identical within the uncertainties, with a mass ratio exceeding 0.99. Whether this is considered a coincidental event or the result of an underlying mechanism, CY Aqr is an exceptionally rare case that broadens our understanding of multiple star systems and offers a unique opportunity to delve into the enigmatic evolutionary histories of such configurations. Further intriguing characteristics of this system warrant investigation in future studies, based on additional observational data.
format Preprint
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institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
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spellingShingle CY Aquarii: A Triple System with Twin Companions
Lian, Ming
Niu, Jia-Shu
Xue, Hui-Fang
Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the SX Phoenicis (SX Phe) type star CY Aquarii (CY Aqr). Our investigation included a detailed $O-C$ analysis based on a 90-year observational dataset, augmented by 1,367 newly determined times of maximum light. The $O-C$ diagram reveals that (i) the primary star of CY Aqr exhibits a linear period variation rate of $(1/P_0)(\mathrm{d} P/ \mathrm{d} t) = (2.132 \pm 0.002) \times 10^{-8} \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$ for its dominant pulsation mode; (ii) the primary star is disturbed by two companions and part of a triple system; (iii) Companion A has an orbital period of approximately 60.2 years and Companion B has an orbital period of approximately 50.8 years. It is highly probable that both Companion A and B are white dwarfs, with Companion A's elliptical orbit displaying an eccentricity of $e = 0.139 \pm 0.002$, which is the lowest confirmed value in similar binary and triple systems to date. Most notably, Companion A and B have masses that are identical within the uncertainties, with a mass ratio exceeding 0.99. Whether this is considered a coincidental event or the result of an underlying mechanism, CY Aqr is an exceptionally rare case that broadens our understanding of multiple star systems and offers a unique opportunity to delve into the enigmatic evolutionary histories of such configurations. Further intriguing characteristics of this system warrant investigation in future studies, based on additional observational data.
title CY Aquarii: A Triple System with Twin Companions
topic Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.14189