Using remote telescopes to perform astrometry on close-separation, hot-and-cold, double-star systems

We will present our group’s experiences and finding using the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) remote telescope array to collect images of close-separation, double-star systems. By carefully selecting the surface temperature and magnitude of both stars in the system, close-separation double stars can be resolved by imaging the star system in two standard bandpass filters available to users of the LCO. Although double-star systems are very common, our technique requires specific relationships between the stellar companions, which greatly reduces the number of potential target systems. Our team has been collecting images to refine our understanding of the limitations of our approach and establish practical limits on the range of stellar temperatures and magnitudes we can reliably image.

The basic physics and techniques of this project make it accessible to undergraduate physics and astronomy students interested in getting involved in a semester or multi-semester long project.