NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Gravitational microlensing by double stars and planetary systemsAlmost all stars are in binary systems. When the separation between the two components is comparable to the Einstein ring radius corresponding to the combined mass of the binary acting as a gravitational lens, then an extra pair of images can be created, and the light curve of a lensed source becomes complicated. It is estimated that about 10 percent of all lensing episodes of the Galactic bulge stars will strongly display the binary nature of the lens. The effect is strong even if the companion is a planet. A massive search for microlensing of the Galactic bulge stars may lead to a discovery of the first extrasolar planetary systems.
Document ID
19910056289
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Mao, Shunde
(Princeton Univ. Observatory NJ, United States)
Paczynski, Bohdan
(Princeton University Observatory, NJ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
June 20, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 2 - Letters
Volume: 374
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
91A40912
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-765
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF AST-87-18432
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available