ζ Orionis A is a Double Star

Abstract

A close, 4th magnitude companion to ζ Orionis A has been resolved with the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer at Lowell Observatory. This confirms an indication of multiplicity from observations with the stellar intensity interferometer at Narrabri 26 years ago. The new component in the multiple system ADS 4263, ζ Orionis Ab, is 2 mag fainter than Aa, which is a supergiant of type O9.5. During 1998 February and March, the pair had a mean separation of 42 mas. Orbital motion was subsequently detected, but the corresponding arc allows only a preliminary ephemeris.