First ground‐based photometry and light‐curve analysis of the eccentric eclipsing binary V744 Cas

The first ground‐based BVR photometric observations of the recently discovered eclipsing binary V744 Cas are presented. From these measurements, timings for two primary and one secondary minima have been calculated. The light curves of the system were analyzed by using the Wilson‐Devinney program. The analysis shows that the system is detached with two similar components of spectral type A2V, and the orbit is eccentric (e = 0.0662 ± 0.0005). The longitude of the periastron (ω) was found significantly different for two different light curves (ours and that of Hipparcos), which is strongly suggestive of an apsidal motion with a period of about 425 ± 68 yr. This makes V744 Cas an important candidate for studies of apsidal motions. The first estimate of the absolute dimensions place the system close to the terminal age of the main sequence (TAMS) in the HR diagram. The distance from the spectroscopic parallax (d = 740 ± 10 pc) was found to be slightly larger than the Hipparcos distance of d = 610 ± 400 pc. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The close binary system EG Cephei

New light curves and available times of minima of a β Lyr system EG Cep were analysed to deduce more information on the nature of the system. The main U‐shaped (O – C) variation was interpreted in terms of the mass transfer and mass loss in the system. The same variation was also considered as a part of a sinusoidal variation and thus interpreted in terms of a light‐time effect due to an unseen component in the system. New B and V light curves were analyzed with different fitting procedures, and there is general agreement that both stars must be very close to each other and to stability limits. A model that fits all the data well has a near main sequence primary and a secondary star that is overflowing matter towards it. This secondary is also reasonably close to main sequence conditions. The configuration thus appears to be a (relatively uncommon) ‘Case A’ type evolving Algol and raises interesting questions about such interactive evolution and potentially useful tests of theory. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

CK Bootis: a W UMa system with a small mass ratio

We present an analysis of BV R light curves of an eclipsing binary CK Bootis, a system with a very small mass ratio. The light curves appear to exhibit a typical O'Connell effect. The light curves are analyzed by means of the latest version of the WD program. The asymmetry of the light curves is explained by a cool star spot model. The simultaneous BV R synthetic light curve analysis gives a tiny mass ratio of 0.12, an extremely large fill‐out factor of 0.65, and a very small difference between the component temperatures of 90 K. The absolute parameters of the system were also derived by combining the photometric solutions with the radial velocity data. The mass of the secondary is very low (0.15 M_⊙) and it continues losing mass. Thirty seven new times of minimum are reported. It is found that the orbital period of the system has a quasi periodic variation, superimposed on a period increase. The long‐term period increase rate is deduced to be dP/dt = 3.54x10^–7 d yr^–1, which can be interpreted as being due to mass transfer from the less massive star to the more massive component. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

New classification and basic stellar parameters of SU Equulei

The variable star SU Equulei was classified as a close binary with an eclipse light curve previously categorized as WUMa type. The aim of this paper is a review of this old classification on the basis of new observations and a new determination of variable star ephemeris as well as the determination of SU Equ spectral type and distance. New photometric observations in different colours allow a precise determination of the period of variability and yield more accurate light curves allowing a re‐classification of the type of variability. We find the best period of variability to be half the old value. The shape of the light curve is inconsistent with an eclipse curve but consistent with an RR Lyrae type c classification. From the B, V, and R colours we deduce a new spectral classification. SU Equulei is an RRc Lyrae type variable of spectral class A8 at a distance of ≈12.4 kpc instead of a late‐type eclipsing binary (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Photometric analysis of the contact binary star V829 Hercules using light curves on three consecutive years

New BVR light curves and photometric analysis of the contact binary star V829 Her are presented. The light curves were obtained at the ÇOMU Observatory in the consecutive years 2003, 2004 and 2005. Firstly, the variation of the orbital period of the system was studied. The sinusoidal and secular changes were found and examined in terms of two plausible mechanisms, namely (i) the conservative mass transfer between the components of the system and (ii) the light-time effect due to an unseen component in the system. The instrumental magnitudes of all observed stars in this study were converted into standard magnitudes. We also study nature of asymmetries and the intrinsic variability in the light curves of the system. Light variations are summarized: (a) changes of light levels of both maxima and (b) changes of the depths of both primary and secondary eclipses. These peculiar asymmetries were interpreted in terms of dark spot(s) on the surface of the large and more massive component star. The present BVR light curves and radial velocity curves obtained by Lu, W., Rucinski, S. M., 1999. AJ 118, 515 were analysed by means of the latest version of the Wilson–Devinney program, simultaneously. Thus, the absolute parameters of the system were also derived.     

The CCD photometric study of the newly identified RS CVn binary star V1034 Hercules

This paper presents a new CCD Bessell VR_cI_c light curves and photometric analysis of the newly discovered RS CVn type eclipsing binary star V1034 Her. The light curves were obtained at the Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Observatory in 2006. Variations of the orbital period of the system were firstly studied. The (O − C) diagram with a low range of observing time of about 20 years shows an upward parabola, which indicates a secular increase in the orbital period of the system. The light curves are generally those of detached eclipsing binaries; however, there are large asymmetries between maxima. The VR_cI_c light curves were analysed with two different fitting procedures: Wilson–Devinney method supplemented with a Monte Carlo type algorithm and Information Limit Optimization Technique (ILOT). Our general results find V1034 Her. as a well detached system, in which the components are filling 65% of their Roche lobes. Light curve asymmetries of the system are explained in terms of large dark starspots on the primary component. The primary star shows a long-lived spot distribution with active longitudes in the same hemisphere.     

New classification and basic stellar parameter of SW Equulei

We review the classification of the variable star SW Equulei, formerly classified as a close binary of the W UMa type with a period of 0.83632 d and components of spectral types O–A or F–G and later. New observations indicate that the light curve is not that of an eclipsing binary but of a pulsating star with a period half of the old value. Further examination shows that SW Equulei is a double mode star of the RRd Lyrae type with a fundamental period of P = 0.560727 d and an overtone of P = 0.4181777 d at a distance of ≈ 7.1 kpc. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Photometric analysis of the eclipsing binary 2MASS 19090585+4911585

We report on observations of the eclipsing binary 2MASS 19090585+4911585 with the 25 cm auxiliary telescope of the University Observatory Jena. We show that a nearby brighter star (2MASS 19090783+4912085) was previously misclassified as the eclipsing binary and find 2MASS 19090585+4911585 to be the true source of variation. We present photometric analysis of VRI light curves. The system is an overcontact binary of W UMa type with an orbital period of (0.288374 ± 0.000010) d (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

New observations,photometric study and preliminary elements of the W UMa system DF CVn

CCD (V) light curve of the EW‐type eclipsing variable DF CVn was obtained during seven nights in April–May, 2004. With our data we were able to determine 4 new times of minimum light. The light curve appears to exhibit a typical O'Connell effect, with Maximum I brighter than Maximum II by 0.013 mag. in V. TwoWilson‐Devinney (WD) code working sessions, using the V light curve, were done with and without spots. The analysis of the results shows that the best fit was obtained with the spotted solution and indicates contact geometry. The photometric mass ratio of the system is found to be q = 0.347 and its inclination i = 72°, the primary minimum shows a transit. The star may be classified as an A‐type W Uma system. Assuming a reasonable value for the mass of the primary component an estimate of the absolute elements of DF CVn has been made, with the assumption that the primary has a mass corresponding to its spectral type according to Straizys and Kuriliene (1981). (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A photometric study of the contact binary AZ Virginis

New light curves and photometric solutions of the contact binary AZ Vir are presented in this paper. The light curves appear to exhibit a typical O'Connell effect, with Maximum I being 0.021 mag (V) and 0.023 mag (B) brighter than Maximum II, respectively. From the observations, six times of minimum light were determined and from the present times of minimum light and those collected from the references, the light elements of the system were improved. The light curves were analyzed by means of the Wilson‐Devinney program. The results suggest that AZ Vir is a W‐subtype contact binary with a mass ratio of q = 0.623(2). The asymmetry of the light curves is explained by star spot models. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Seven years photometry of the W UMa‐type eclipsing binary V2612 Oph

We present the first long‐term Johnson UBVR observations and comprehensive photometric analysis of the W UMa‐type eclipsing binary V2612 Oph. Observations in the time interval between 2003 and 2009 enabled us to reveal the seasonal and long‐term variations of the light curve. Hence, we found that the mean brightness level of the light curve shows a variation with a period of 6.7 years. Maximum and minimum brightness levels of the light curve exhibit a variation from year to year which we attribute to a solar‐like activity. The O – C variation of eclipse timings of the system shows a decreasing parabolic trend and reveals a period decrease at a rate of P = 6.27×10^‐7 day yr^‐1 with an additional low‐amplitude sinusoidal variation that has a similar period as the long‐term brightness variations. Our light curve analysis shows that the system is a W‐subtype W UMa eclipsing binary. We calculated masses and radii of the primary and secondary components as M₁ = 1.28 M_⊙, M₂ = 0.37 M_⊙ and R₁ = 1.31 R_⊙, R₂ = 0.75 R_⊙, respectively. The derived absolute photometric parameters allow us to calculate a distance of 140 pc, which confirms that the system is a foreground star in the sky field of the Galactic open cluster NGC 6633. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The University of New South Wales Extrasolar Planet Search: a catalogue of variable stars from fields observed between 2004 and 2007

We present a new catalogue of variable stars compiled from the data taken for the University of New South Wales Extrasolar Planet Search. From 2004 October to 2007 May, 25 target fields were each observed for one to four months, resulting in ∼87 000 high-precision light curves with 1600–4400 data points. We have extracted a total of 850 variable light curves, 659 of which do not have a counterpart in the General Catalogue of Variable Stars, the New Suspected Variables catalogue or the All Sky Automated Survey southern variable star catalogue. The catalogue is detailed here, and includes 142 Algol-type eclipsing binaries, 23 β Lyrae-type eclipsing binaries, 218 contact eclipsing binaries, 53 RR Lyrae stars, 26 Cepheid stars, 13 rotationally variable active stars, 153 uncategorized pulsating stars with periods <10 d, including δ Scuti stars, and 222 long period variables with variability on time-scales of >10 d. As a general application of variable stars discovered by extrasolar planet transit search projects, we discuss several astrophysical problems which could benefit from carefully selected samples of bright variables. These include (i) the quest for contact binaries with the smallest mass ratio, which could be used to test theories of binary mergers; (ii) detached eclipsing binaries with pre-main-sequence components, which are important test objects for calibrating stellar evolutionary models and (iii) RR Lyrae-type pulsating stars exhibiting the Blazhko effect, which is one of the last great mysteries of pulsating star research.     

Cyclic variations of the period and luminosity of SV Camelopardalis

New standardized V ‐band light curves (LCs) for the eclipsing binary SV Cam have been modeled using the PHOEBE program (v. 0.31a). Absolute parameters of the stellar components were then determined, enabling them to be positioned on the mass‐radius diagram. Analysis of eclipse minima timing data (O – C diagrams) indicated two cyclic periods of 48.0 and 23.3 yr. These cyclic variations of the orbital period are interpreted in terms of motion of a third body around the system and magnetic activity cycle modulating the orbital period of SV Cam via the Applegate (1992) mechanism. The use of the Applegate model for SV Cam has been checked by examining the long term brightness variation and calculating some important parameters of this system. The results of these calculations favor the modulation of the orbital period by the Applegate mechanism. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Photometric study of the light curve of the neglected eclipsing binary FU Ara

The unique (1954–1956) photoelectric B and V light curves of the EB‐type eclipsing variable FU Ara are here analyzed. The Wilson‐Devinney Differential Correction program was used and the analysis of the results shows that the best fit was obtained at photometric mass ratio q = 0.399 and inclination i = 83°, the primary minimum shows a transit. The star is a semi‐detached system with the secondary that accurately fills its limiting lobe. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Photometric and spectroscopic variability of the pre‐main sequence star V1184 Tauri (CB 34V)

We present recent results from optical photometric and spectroscopic observations of the pre‐main sequence star V1184 Tau (CB 34V). The star is associated with the Bok globule CB 34 and was considered as a FUOR candidate in previous studies. Our photometric data obtained from October 2000 to April 2003 show that the stellar brightness varies with an amplitude of about 0.m 5 (I ), but from August 2003 the photometric behavior of the star has changed dramatically. Three deep brightness minima (ΔI ∼ 4^m.2) were observed during the past two years. The analysis of available photometric data suggests that V1184 Tau shows two types of variability produced (1) by rotation of large cool spotted surface and (2) by occultation from circumstellar clouds of dust or from features of a circumstellar disk. The behavior of the V – I index indicates that the star becomes redder towards minimum light, but from a certain turning point (V ∼ 18^m.2) it gets bluer and is fading further. Five medium dispersion optical spectra of V1184 Tau were obtained in the period 2001–2004. Signi.cant changes in the profile and strength of the emission lines in the spectrum of V1184 Tau were found. During minimum light the equivalent width of the Hα emission line increases from 4 Å to 9 Å. The [O I] lines (λλ 6003, 6363 Å) are also seen in emission while the sodium doublet keeps its absorption strength and equivalent width. The possibility to reconstruct the historical light curve of V1184 Tau using photographical plate archives is brie.y discussed. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Photometry and spectroscopy of the newly discovered eclipsing binary GSC 4589‐2999

New CCD light curves of the recently detected eclipsing variable GSC 4589‐2999 were obtained and analysed using the Wilson‐Deninney code. Spectroscopic observations of the system allowed the spectral classification of the components and the determination of their radial velocities. The physical properties and absolute parameters of the components and an updated ephemeris of the system are given (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

HD 9770, a southern active-chromosphere system

The visual triple system HD 9770 (BB Scl) has been the subject of a four-year programme of UVB ( RI )_C photometry and H α échelle spectroscopy. Analysis of the data obtained over that period shows that star B, and probably also star A, of HD 9770 is a binary. The A system comprises a K1V star, which may be in a binary system with another K dwarf. The B system is an eclipsing binary of the BY Dra type in which both stars are chromospherically active. An orbital period of 0.476 525±0.000 013 d has been derived from the light curve in V . Physical parameters derived from analysis of the light curves in UBV ( RI )_C are presented.     

Influence of Interstellar and Atmospheric Extinction on Light Curves of Eclipsing Binaries

Interstellar and atmospheric extinctions redden the observational photometric data and they should be handled rigorously. This paper simulates the effect of reddening for the modest case of two main sequence T ₁ = 6500 K and T ₂ = 5500 K components of a detached eclipsing binary system. It is shown that simply subtracting a constant from measured magnitudes (the approach often used in the field of eclipsing binaries) to account for reddening should be avoided. Simplified treatment of the reddening introduces systematics that reaches ∼0.01 mag for the simulated case, but can be as high as ∼0.2 mag for, e.g., B8 V-K4 III systems. With rigorous treatment, it is possible to uniquely determine the colour excess value E(B−V) from multi-colour photometric light curves of eclipsing binaries.     

Hubble Space Telescope observations of SV Cam – II. First derivative light-curve modelling using phoenix and atlas model atmospheres

The variation of the specific intensity across the stellar disc is an essential input parameter in surface brightness reconstruction techniques such as Doppler imaging, where the relative intensity contributions of different surface elements are important in detecting star-spots. We use phoenix and atlas model atmospheres to model light curves derived from high precision (signal-to-noise ratio ≃ 5000) Hubble Space Telescope ( HST ) data of the eclipsing binary SV Cam (F9V+K4V), where the variation of specific intensity across the stellar disc will determine the contact points of the binary system light curve. For the first time, we use χ² comparison fits to the first derivative profiles to determine the best-fitting model atmosphere. We show the wavelength dependence of the limb darkening and that the first derivative profile is sensitive to the limb-darkening profile very close to the limb of the primary star. It is concluded that there is only a marginal difference (<1σ) between the χ² comparison fits of the two model atmospheres to the HST light curve at all wavelengths. The usefulness of the second derivative of the light curve for measuring the sharpness of the primary's limb is investigated, but we find that the data are too noisy to permit a quantitative analysis.     

Optical flares from the faint mid‐dM star 2MASS J00453912+4140395

We present B and V light curves of a large stellar flare obtained with the Wide Field Camera at the Isaac Newton 2.5‐m telescope (La Palma). The source object is a faint (m_V = 21.38) foreground star in the field of the Andromeda galaxy, with its most probable spectral type being dM4. We provide an estimate of the total flare energy in the optical range and find it to be of the order of 1035 erg. The cooling phase of the large flare shows three additional weak flare‐like events, which we interpret as results of a triggering mechanism also observed on the Sun during large coronal mass ejections. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)