A mechanism for orbital period modulation in close binaries

1992/02/01 by James H. Applegate · 1,047 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Angular momentum #Astro and Planetary Science #Astronomy #Astrophysics #Binary star #Classical mechanics #Orbit (dynamics) #Orbital period #Physics #Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics #Stars #Stellar evolution #Stellar rotation #Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies

paper · doi:10.1086/170967

published in The Astrophysical Journal 385, 621 (IOP Publishing)

openalex publication_date 1992/02/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/26

Abstract

Some eclipsing variables are observed to undergo orbital period modulations of amplitude 10 exp -5 over time scales of decades or longer. These modulations can be explained by the gravitational coupling of the orbit to variations in the shape of a magnetically active star in the system. The variable deformation of the active star is produced by variations in the distribution of angular momentum as the star goes through its activity cycle. The torque needed to redistribute the angular momentum can be exerted by a mean subsurface magnetic field of several kilogauss.

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