Abstract
Abstract
Common envelope evolution is widely accepted as the principal shaping agent in the formation of aspherical planetary nebulae. However, only some 20% of planetary nebulae are found to host post-common-envelope binary central stars. To probe the detectability of post-common-envelope binary central stars, and their potential to evade detection, we simulate the light curves of an array of these systems varying their stellar and orbital parameters. We find that while binaries with late-type companions and/or long orbital periods will likely go undetected, they are unlikely to represent a large fraction of the overall post-common-envelope central star population.
Publisher
American Astronomical Society