Dynamic Evolution of Triple Hierarchical Stellar Systems

Dynamic evolution of triple hierarchical stellar systems using higher-order perturbations in the framework of a restricted three-body problem was performed. Hierarchical triple systems consist of a relatively close pair and a satellite on a distant orbit. These systems are thought to be stable on cosmological timescales, in contrast to systems where all the distances are comparable. We obtain a solution for intermediate motion, where the mean motions of both components have secular evolutionary terms. Perturbations from the distant component slow down the rotation of the close pair, while its own mean motion secularly increases due to interaction with the binary component. Perturbations are small but may change the configuration of the system of cosmological timescales. The probability that such systems become unstable is high.