ASAS census of twins

Abstract

Twin binaries were identified among the eclipsing binaries with delta > -30 degrees listed in the All Sky Automated Survey (ASAS) catalogue. In addition to the known twin binaries in the literature, 68 new systems have been identified and photometric and spectroscopic observations were done. Colour, spectral type, temperature, ratio of radii and masses of the components have been derived and are presented. Including 12 twin binary systems that exist in both ASAS and the catalogue of absolute parameters of detached eclipsing binary stars, a total of 80 twin detached binary systems have been statistically studied. A comparison of the spectral type distribution of the twins with those of detached eclipsing binary stars in the ASAS database shows that the spectral type distribution of twins is similar to that of detached systems. This result has been interpreted as indicating that there is no special formation mechanism for twins compared to normal detached binaries. As a result of our case study for HD 154010, a twin binary, we present the precise physical parameters of the system.