Abstract
The Sirius system possesses one of the best determined orbits of any visual binary system. The last major determination of the relative Sirius A/B orbit was that of van den Bos (1960). Recently, Ruymaekers (1999) and Benest & Duvent (1995) have redetermined the visual orbit. Subtle but significant differences exist between these two results; both of which relied primarily on the very large set of visual positions. In addition to these measurements, there also exist a substantial set of published photographic observations. Sirius B is one of just a few white dwarfs for which we can determine a reasonably accurate astrometric mass. A new determination of the relative orbit is a prerequisite for an improved estimate of the dynamical mass of Sirius B.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Benest, D. & Duvent, J. L. 1995, A&A, 299, 621 (BD95)
Ruymaekers, G., 1999, PhD Thesis, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven
van den Bos, W. H. 1960, J. Obs., 43, 145 (1860)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2003 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Holberg, J.B. (2003). An Improved Visual and Photographic Orbit for Sirius. In: de Martino, D., Silvotti, R., Solheim, JE., Kalytis, R. (eds) White Dwarfs. NATO Science Series, vol 105. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0215-8_102
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0215-8_102
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-1-4020-1364-5
Online ISBN: 978-94-010-0215-8
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive