[en] Massive binaries are important laboratories to investigate science topics related to stellar astrophysics. In particular, colliding winds in some massive binaries are known to produce strong X-ray emission, to accelerate particles, and to act as nucleation site for dust particles. Recent advances in the development of interferometric instruments coupled to long baseline facilities such as the VLTI allow us to observe astronomical targets at the milli-arcsecond scale. In the context of the study of colliding-wind binaries, this tool is likely to provide crucial information. I will briefly discuss ongoing observation campaigns aiming at using such interferometric facilities in the purpose to study the physics of colliding-wind binaries.
Disciplines :
Space science, astronomy & astrophysics
Author, co-author :
De Becker, Michaël ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO) > Département d'astrophys., géophysique et océanographie (AGO)
Language :
English
Title :
Long baseline interferometry applied to the study of colliding-wind massive binaries: current status and prospects for the near future
Publication date :
04 April 2011
Event name :
Space and Ground Based Imaging in Astrophysics - Third Meeting