RUI: An Observational Exploration of the Late Stages of Close Binary Star Evolution in Low to Intermediate Mass Stars

该奖项将支持对行星状星云中心恒星双星的观测研究。 这一恒星演化阶段代表了中低质量恒星演化的倒数第二个阶段，而对这一阶段双星的演化知之甚少。 密近双星预计会进一步演化为合并或质量转移系统，然后表现为激变变星;它们也可能是Ia型超新星的先驱系统。 该项目将涉及多色测光和光谱学的结合，目的是在行星状星云中发现新的双星，并详细描述其中一些双星的特征，预计该项目可能对超新星研究、激变变星和新星等领域产生重大的科学影响。 它还将有助于在一个以本科为主的机构发展和培训学生。

This award will support an observational study of binarity in the central stars of planetary nebulae. This stage of stellar evolution represents the penultimate phase of evolution for low- and intermediate mass stars, and very little is known about the evolution of binary stars during this stage. Close binaries are expected to evolve further into merging or mass-transfer systems, which would then manifest themselves as cataclysmic variables; they could also be the precursor systems to Type Ia supernovae. The project will involve a combination of multi-color photometry and spectroscopy with the aim of discovering new binary stars in planetary nebulae and characterizing some in detail.It is expected that the project may have a significant scientific impact on the areas of supernova research, cataclysmic variables, and novae. It will also contribute to the development and training of students at a primarily undergraduate institution.