Spectroscopic analysis of the Alpha Centauri system

A detailed spectroscopic analysis of the two components of the binary system alpha Centauri has been carried out on the basis of extensive high resolution and high signal-to-noise spectra. The temperatures of the stars have been determined from the Fei excitation equilibrium and checked from the H_alpha line wings. The abundances of 17 elements have been obtained and indicate a general overabundance of 0.24 dex relative to the Sun, with no significant difference between the two stars. All elements analysed, from CNO to the iron peak, show basically the same overabundance. Only nickel seems to be significantly more overabundant, while the neutron capture elements appear less enhanced. Based on observations carried out at the European Southern Observatory (La Silla, Chile)