Long-period radial velocity variations in three K giants

1993/08/01 by A. P. Hatzes, William D. Cochran · 182 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Astro and Planetary Science #Astronomy #Astronomy and Astrophysical Research #Astrophysics #Giant star #Physics #Radial velocity #Rotation period #Star (game theory) #Stars #Stellar rotation #Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies

paper · doi:10.1086/173002

published in The Astrophysical Journal 413, 339 (IOP Publishing)

openalex publication_date 1993/08/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/17

Abstract

Precise relative radial velocities were measured for three K giants Alpha Tau, Alpha Boo, and Beta Gem to detect planetary companions. Results reveal strong evidence for long term periodic behavior in the radial velocities: 233 days for Alpha Boo, 643 days for Alpha Tau, and 558 days for Beta Gem. These periods are considered to be too long to be due to radial pulsations. The fact that all three stars exhibit similar periods and give comparable companion masses suggests that the variability is intrinsic to the star (either rotational modulation or pulsations).

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• Aldebaran [wikipedia]
• Arcturus [wikipedia]