"Fundamental Astronomy of Cataclysmic Binaries" AST-9987334
This project investigates the photometric and spectroscopic properties of cataclysmic variable star systems. Three major efforts are being pursued: (1) continuation of a long-term program of orbital period determinations through radial velocity measurements, with special emphasis on systems which exhibit the 'superhump' phenomenon; (2) initiation of an infrared photometry program for the determination of photometric parallaxes for the cool main sequence companion stars; (3) initiation of a new imaging program for astrometry of selected systems that are believed to be nearest the Sun. The observational effort for this project will be conducted with dedicated facilities at the MDM Observatory at Kitt Peak, Arizona. Funding for this project was provided by the NSF program for Stellar Astronomy & Astrophysics (AST/SAA).
