Are the Polarization Variations of Pre-Main Sequence Binary Systems
Due to Binarity?

Jennifer L. Hoffman, Kenneth H. Nordsieck, and Brian L. Babler

in preparation
Preliminary results

 
We present spectropolarimetric observations of the pre-main-sequence eclipsing binary systems MWC 1080 and BM Ori. After estimating and removing the interstellar contribution to the polarization spectrum of MWC 1080, we discuss the behavior of its intrinsic polarization as a function of phase. The observed variations show little correlation with orbital phase, and are probably due mostly to the random polarimetric variability of one or both of the companions. We discuss our observations of BM Ori in light of these results.
 

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October 10, 2002