Astronomy and Astrophysics
Aims: Using TESS data and newly obtained spectroscopic observations, we aim to determine the masses and radii of the eccentric eclipsing binary systems V889 Aql and V402 Lac, together with their apsidal motion parameters.
Methods: We simultaneously modelled radial velocity curves and times of eclipse for each target to precisely determine the orbital parameters of the systems, which we used to analyse the light curves and then obtain their absolute dimensions. We compared the obtained values with those predicted by theoretical models.
Results: We determined masses and radii of the components of both systems with relative uncertainties lower than 2%. V889 Aql is composed of two stars with masses 2.17 ± 0.02 M⊙ and 2.13 ± 0.01 M⊙ and radii 1.87 ± 0.04 R⊙ and 1.85 ± 0.04 R⊙. We find conclusive evidence of the presence of a third body orbiting V889 Aql with a period of 67 yr. Based on the detected third light and the absence of signal in the spectra, we suggest that this third body could in turn be a binary composed of two ∼1.4 M⊙ stars. V402 Lac is composed of two stars with masses 2.80 ± 0.05 M⊙ and 2.78 ± 0.05 M⊙ and radii 2.38 ± 0.03 R⊙ and 2.36 ± 0.03 R⊙. The times of minimum light are compatible with the presence of a third body for this system too, although its period is not yet fully sampled. In both cases we have found a good agreement between the observed apsidal motion rates and the model predictions.
Stellar spectroscopy allows us to determine the properties and chemical compositions of stars. From this information for stars of different ages in the Milky Way, it is possible to reconstruct the chemical evolution of the Galaxy, as well as the origin of the elements heavier than boron, created mainly in stellar interiors. It is also possible to