Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Infrared Spectroscopy Of Symbiotic Stars. Vii. Binary Orbit And Long Secondary Period Variability Of Ch Cygni, Kenneth H. Hinkle, Francis C. Fekel, Richard R. Joyce

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

High-dispersion spectroscopic observations are used to refine orbital elements for the symbiotic binary CH Cyg. The current radial velocities, added to a previously published 13 year time series of infrared velocities for the M giant in the CH Cyg symbiotic system, more than double the length of the time series to 29 years. The two previously identified velocity periods are confirmed. The long period, revised to 15.6 ± 0.1 yr, is shown to result from a binary orbit with a 0.7 M☉ white dwarf and 2 M☉ M giant. Mass transfer to the white dwarf is responsible for the symbiotic …