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D.H. Bradstreet (Eastern University), D.P. Steelman (Univ. of Md.)
A revised and expanded version of the widely used Binary Maker program is nearing completion. The DOS version of this program has been incorporated into many curriculums around the world, enabling students to learn the rudiments of light curve analysis. It has also proven to be an excellent tool for the preliminary analysis of light curves, efficiently leading to the determination of initial parameters for differential light curve fitting. The program simultaneously displays the theoretical light and radial velocity curves as well as a revolving 3D model of the binary. Actual light and radial velocity data can be input into the graphs for direct comparison to theory. Completely re-written in Java, the Roche geometry-based program now incorporates eccentric orbits and asynchronous rotation into a modern, completely windows-driven, user-friendly interface. Because it is written in Java, the program now works on PC, Macintosh, and Unix/Linux platforms. Four windows allow simultaneous display of the light curve, radial velocity curves, 3D image, and user input binary parameters. Each output window can be easily maximized to full screen, and the user has much more control over the appearance of each window than in version 2.0. There is also an Outline function that outputs the binary system with its associated inner and outer Lagrangian surfaces. Hardcopy output of the 3D models, light and radial velocity curves, and outlines are in the form of PostScript files. Binary parameter (BMD) files from the DOS version, as well as the light and radial velocity data files, are upwardly compatible with the new program. The many features of the program will be demonstrated at the poster.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: dbradstr@eastern.edu
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #4
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.