A Search for Spectroscopic Binaries from Published Radial Velocity Data

Abstract

The published radial velocities for a sample of ten suspected spectroscopic binaries were analyzed by means of a computerized period-finding method capable of examining more than 150,000 periods hour-1 on modem fast computers. The investigation is intended to provide an indication of the possible usefulness of a similar program on a larger scale, including all those suspected binaries for which seemingly good and sufficient observations have not led to satis- factory periods. A definite answer emerged for four stars. Orbital elements were found for two stars and two showed no periodic variation in velocity. The other six stars require additional observations to reach a definitive conclusion.