Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Orbits Of The Quadruple Star System 88 Tauri A From Phases Differential Astrometry And Radial Velocity, Benjamin F. Lane, Matthew W. Muterspaugh, Francis C. Fekel, Michael H. Williamson, Stanley Browne, Maciej Konacki, Bernard F. Burke, Mark M. Colavita, Shrinivas R. Kulkarni, Michael Shao

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

We have used high-precision differential astrometry from the Palomar High-precision Astrometric Search for Exoplanet Systems (PHASES) project and radial velocity measurements covering a time span of 20 years to determine the orbital parameters of the 88 Tau A system. 88 Tau is a complex hierarchical multiple system comprising a total of six stars; we have studied the brightest four, consisting of two short-period pairs orbiting each other with an ~18 yr period. We present the first orbital solution for one of the short-period pairs, and determine the masses of the components and distance to the system to the level of …