D. Douchin, G. H. Jacoby, O. De Marco, S. B. Howell, M. Kronberger
The Kepler Observatory offers unprecedented photometric precision (<1 mmag)
and cadence for monitoring the central stars of planetary nebulae, allowing the
detection of tiny periodic light curve variations, a possible signature of
binarity. With this precision free from the observational gaps dictated by
weather and lunar cycles, we are able to detect companions at much larger
separations and with much smaller radii than ever before. We have been awarded
observing time to obtain light-curves of the central stars of the six confirmed
and possible planetary nebulae in the Kepler field, including the newly
discovered object Kn 61, at cadences of both 30 min and 1 min. Of these six
objects, we could confirm for three a periodic variability consistent with
binarity. Two others are variables, but the initial data set presents only weak
periodicities. For the central star of Kn 61, Kepler data will be available in
the near future.
View original:
http://arxiv.org/abs/1110.4436
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