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| Paper: |
Multiplicity of massive O stars and evolutionary implications |
| Volume: |
470, 370 Years of Astronomy in Utrecht |
| Page: |
141 |
| Authors: |
Sana, H.; de Mink, S. E.; de Koter, A.; Langer, N.; Evans, C. J.; Gieles, M.; Gosset, E.; Izzard, R. G.; Le Bouquin, J.-B.; Schneider, F. R. N. |
| Abstract: |
Nearby companions alter the evolution of massive stars in binary systems. Using a sample of Galactic massive stars in nearby young clusters, we simultaneously measure all intrinsic binary characteristics relevant to quantify the frequency and nature of binary interactions. We find a large intrinsic binary fraction, a strong preference for short orbital periods and a flat distribution for the mass-ratios. Our results do not support the presence of a significant peak of equal-mass ‘twin’ binaries.
As a result of the measured distributions, we find that over seventy per cent of all massive stars exchange mass with a companion. Such a rate greatly exceeds previous estimates and implies that the majority of massive stars have their evolution strongly affected by interaction with a nearby companion. |
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