the analysis of the spectral energy distribution in the optical, near infrared and iras bandpasses has shown that rs cvn-type binaries have infrared excess that has been attributed to the presence of circumstellar matter shells. among the sources showing ir excess, the mass of their dust shells have been estimated to be larger for those sources that appear slightly more evolved. a tentative hypothesis is that the circumstellar material we are now seeing is the result of continuous mass loss episodes and hence is presumably linked to the time-integrated past magnetic activity. we propose to perform multi-filter photometry of a selected sample of rs cvn and algol.s binary systems with isophot in order to reconstruct their energy distribution from near to far ir spectral domains. the targets have been chosen among those for which long term multiwavelength monitoring (from x-ray to radio bands) has allowed us to establish the level of their behaviour and magnetic activity. the catania and torino groups have been involved in optical and uv studies of active binary systems for several decades and have gained substantial expertise in this field. we should like now to complement our active binary studies with the important information contained in the ir spectral domain.
Instrument
PHT03 , PHT22 , PHT40
Temporal Coverage
1996-10-20T16:25:33Z/1996-12-02T14:03:17Z
Version
1.0
Mission Description
The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) was the world's first true orbiting infrared observatory. Equipped with four highly-sophisticated and versatile scientific instruments, it was launched by Ariane in November 1995 and provided astronomers world-wide with a facility of unprecedented sensitivity and capabilities for a detailed exploration of the Universe at infrared wavelengths.
European Space Agency, 1998, Infrared Excess In Rs Cvn And Algol Type Binaries Circumstellar Envelope Around Active Binary Stars, 1.0, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-oe0bsyf
