Understanding Overcontact Binaries (Abstract)

Volume 34 number 1 (2006)

Dirk Terell

Abstract

(Abstract only) Overcontact binaries come in a variety of configurations, with examples for both high and low mass stars. I discuss the current theoretical picture for these stars as well as new models being developed that we hope will answer the many questions we still have about them. I also discuss current observational programs that will play a key role in the testing of the new theoretical models.