Orbital period
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Understanding Orbital Periods in Various Astronomical Contexts
Orbital Periods in Sedimentary Relative Paleointensity Records
Keywords: Orbital cycles, sedimentary records, paleointensity
Research has shown that orbital cycles with periods of 100,000 years (kyr) and 41,000 years are present in some sedimentary relative paleointensity (RPI) records. These cycles have been detected through power spectral and wavelet analyses. However, the significance of these orbital periods varies across different RPI records and time intervals, suggesting that they do not have a common origin such as orbital forcing on the geodynamo. Instead, these periods are likely due to climatic contamination, as indicated by significant coherence and in-phase relationships between RPI records and benthic oxygen isotope records during certain intervals1.
Orbital Period Modulation in Close Binaries
Keywords: Close binaries, magnetic cycles, orbital period modulation
In close binary systems, observed orbital period modulations are often linked to the magnetic activity cycles of the stars. The mechanism proposed by Applegate suggests that changes in the stellar internal rotation, associated with magnetic activity, lead to variations in the gravitational quadrupole moment of the active star. This, in turn, forces changes in the orbital motion of the binary system. This interaction has been studied in detail, providing insights into the interplay between stellar rotation and magnetic field generation. For example, in the active binary RS Canum Venaticorum, torsional oscillations driven by a stellar magnetic dynamo may account for the observed orbital period behavior2.
Minimum Orbital Periods of Hydrogen-Rich Bodies
Keywords: Gas giants, brown dwarfs, minimum orbital periods
The minimum allowed orbital periods for hydrogen-rich bodies, ranging from the mass of Saturn to one solar mass, have been derived. These periods are particularly relevant for distinguishing between brown dwarfs and planets transiting host white dwarfs. For instance, orbital periods of around 100 minutes are indicative of brown dwarfs. The overall minimum period for bodies in this mass range is approximately 37 minutes, assuming the host star's density is sufficiently high3.
Determination of Orbital Periods in X-ray Binaries
Keywords: X-ray binaries, orbital ephemeris, pulsars
The binary period and orbital ephemeris of the Be X-ray binary containing the pulsar IA 1118-616 have been determined for the first time, 35 years after the source's discovery. The orbital period is found to be approximately 24 days. This determination was made using the phase connection technique during an X-ray outburst, providing a circular orbit solution consistent with the peak X-ray flux4.
Orbital Period Distribution in Cataclysmic Variables
Keywords: Cataclysmic variables, period gap, nova-like variables
The orbital period distribution of cataclysmic variables has been analyzed using the latest data compilations. Contrary to previous conclusions, the period gap is significant for nova-like variables. This analysis also explores the relationship between VY Scl stars and dwarf novae, contributing to a better understanding of these systems' orbital period characteristics5.
Orbital Period Changes in Eclipsing Cataclysmic Variables
Keywords: Eclipsing variables, period variations, magnetism
The orbital period changes in the eclipsing cataclysmic variable UX Ursae Majoris have been found to be aperiodic. This eliminates explanations such as apsidal motion or the presence of a third body. Instead, the variations may be linked to the magnetism of the secondary star, although the exact details remain unclear6.
Long-Term Orbital Period Changes in Dwarf Novae
Keywords: Dwarf novae, orbital-period change, eclipse times
A long-term study of the eclipse times in the dwarf nova WZ Sagittae reveals orbital-period changes characterized by back-and-forth wiggles with timescales of 20-50 years. These variations dominate the O–C diagram, complicating the measurement of a steady rate of orbital-period change. There may be a connection between these wiggles and the intervals between dwarf-nova eruptions7.
Conclusion
The study of orbital periods across different astronomical contexts reveals a complex interplay of factors, including magnetic activity, climatic contamination, and stellar dynamics. These insights not only enhance our understanding of specific systems but also provide broader implications for the study of orbital mechanics and stellar evolution.
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