On the reality of certain spectroscopic orbits

Abstract

A review of 27 spectroscopic orbits, 25 of which were derived in an investigation of the degree of multiplicity found among stars of solar type, discloses that 24 of them are not supported by the data upon which they were based. Indeed, in at least 21 cases the evidence does not show that the stars are binaries at all. The multiplicity of solar-type stars has therefore probably been overestimated. It is suggested that similar reviews of multiplicity among other groups of stars might lead to analogous conclusions.