Dark Passengers in Stellar Surveys

Abstract

We develop stellar population models to predict the number of binaries with a single luminous member is Gaia and Hipparcos. Our models yield dozens of detections of black hole - luminous companion binaries (BHLC) and hundreds to thousands of neutron star - luminous companion binaries (NSLC) with Gaia. Interestingly, our models also yield a single detection of BHLC binary with Hipparcos, and a few NSLC binaries. We also show how the statistical distribution of detected binaries with a single luminous companion can be used to constrain the formation process of neutron stars and black holes.