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Session: Stars, Planets and the Interstellar Medium

Name: Ms. Sofia Palafouta (National & Kapodistrian Univ. of Athens)
Coauthors: No coauthors were included.
Type: Poster
Title: Low mass ratio eclipsing binaries as red nova progenitors.
Abstract:

Eclipsing binaries that have a large difference in the mass values of their components and high fill-out factors are exceedingly rare, with only a few dozen known to date. These systems have the potential to become red novae and pose a challenge to existing theoretical models of stellar evolution, as they merge around critical mass ratio values of 0.07 and 0.09, when they become overcontact. It is believed that they follow the Darwinian instability model during the merging process and may be the progenitors of FK Com-type and Blue Straggler stars. This study examines the physical and orbital parameters of W UMa-type binaries in their final state of evolution, while considering the various dynamical structures and gravitational phenomena involved. By analyzing a robust sample of photometric and spectroscopic data, valuable information can be obtained about the orbital and physical characteristics of these systems. When combined with the predicted critical mass ratio values for each system, it becomes possible to compile an extensive list of stellar merger candidates, which could help establish a method for predicting red nova events.