Simulating Contact Binaries and Their Light Curves

A Contact binary is an interesting stellar system in which the two stars actually touch, as they revolve around each other. It is assumed that ultimately this system will merge, forming a single star. In September 2008 such a merger was observed in the eruption of a "red nova'' called V1309 Sco. This proposal is aimed towards developing an initial model for contact binaries so that we can study their formation, structure, and merger properties using hydrodynamics codes. This model can also be used to generate a light curve from the simulation data to compare to the observed case of V1309 Sco. A comparison between observations and simulations will help us unravel the still mysterious nova-like phenomena of stellar mergers.

Time: Oct 16, Tuesday, noon.

Location: Rm. 435, Nicholson Hall.

Foods and drinks will be provided.