Wide binary stars with non-coeval components

Abstract

We have the estimated masses of components of visual binaries from their spectral classification. We have selected pairs in which the less massive component looks more evolved. Spectral observations of some of these pairs were made, and at least one pair, HD 156331, was confirmed to have components of different ages. Since mass exchange is excluded in wide binaries, it means that HD 156331 can be formed by capture.

Keywords

• binary stars
• stellar mass