Photometric study and preliminary elements of the low-mass ratio W UMa system ASAS 021209+2708.3

We present CCD B and V light curves,obtained in the year 2006,and a photometric solution of the low-mass ratio contact binary ASAS 021209+2708.3. With our data we were able to determine six new times of minimum light and refine the orbital period of the system to 0.3181963 days.The light curves are analyzed using the 2003 version of the Wilson-Devinney program and the analysis was performed with and without adding a spot on the surface of one star because the light curves appear to exhibit a typical O’Conne...     

A Photometric Study of the W UMa-type Eclipsing Binary System GSC 0445-1993

Several new light minimum times for the eclipsing binary GSC 0445-1993 have been determined from the observations by Koppelman et al. and the orbital period of this system was revised. A photometric analysis was carried out using the 2003 version of the Wilson-Devinney code. The results reveal that GSC 0445-1993 is a W-type eclipsing binary with a mass ratio of q = 0.323(±0.002) and an over-contact degree of f = 22.8%(±4.2%). A small temperature difference between the components of △T = 135 K and an orbital inclination of i = 65.7°(±0.3°) were obtained. The asymmetry of its light curve (i.e., the O'Connell effect) for this binary star is explained by the presence of a dark spot on the more massive component.     

A photometric study of the K-type contact binary EI CVn

We present charge-coupled device (CCD) photometry for the short-period K-type binary EI CVn,observed on 2009 February 28 at the Xinglong Station of National Astronomical Observatories,Chinese Academy of Sciences.By using the Wilson-Devinney program,the photometric solution was first deduced from our V R observations.The results show that EI CVn is a W-type weak-contact binary with a mass ratio of qph=0.2834(±0.0010) and an overcontact degree of f=20.0%(±0.7%).The distorted light curves were modeled by a dar...     

A low-mass-ratio and deep contact binary as the progenitor of the merger V1309 Sco

Nova Sco 2008(=V1309 Sco) is an example of a V838 Mon type eruption rather than a typical classical nova. This enigmatic object was recently shown to have resulted from the merger of two stars in a contact binary. It is the first stellar merger that was identified to be undergoing a common envelope transient. To understand the properties of its binary progenitor, the pre-outburst light curves were analyzed by using the W-D method. The photometric solution of the 2002 light curve shows that it is a deep contact binary(f = 89.5(±40.5)%) with a mass ratio of 0.094. The asymmetry of the light curve is explained by the presence of a dark spot on the more massive component. The extremely high fill-out factor suggests that the merging of the contact binary is driven by dynamical mass loss from the outer Lagrange point. However,the analysis of the 2004 light curve indicates that no solutions were obtained even at an extremely low mass ratio of q = 0.03. This suggests that the common convective envelope of the binary system disappeared and the secondary component spiraled into the envelope of the primary in 2004. Finally, the ejection of the envelope of the primary produced the outburst.     

First photometric study of the eclipsing binary PS Persei

CCD photometric observations of the eclipsing binary PS Persei (PS Per) were obtained on two consecutive days in 2009.The 2003 version of the WilsonDevinney code was used to analyze the first complete light curves in the V and R bands.It is found that PS Per is a short-period Algol-type binary with the less massive component completely filling its inner critical Roche lobe.The mass ratio of q=0.518 and the orbital inclination of i=89.86° are obtained.In addition,based on all available times of primary light...     

First Detailed Analysis of a Relatively Deep,Low Mass-ratio Contact Binary:ATO J108.6991+27.8306

We present the first detailed photometric analysis of ATO J108.6991+27.8306(hereinafter as J108). The shortperiod close binary J108 was observed by the Nanshan 1 m Wide Field Telescope of the Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory. The obtained BVRI-band light curves were used to determine the photometric solution by using the 2003 version of the Wilson-Devinney code. J108 is a typical deep( f > 50%), low mass ratio(q < 0.25)overcontact binary system with a mass ratio of q = 0.1501 and a fill-o...     

A multicolor photometric study of the neglected eclipsing binary FT Ursae Majoris

The multicolor photometric observations of the neglected eclipsing binary FT Ursae Majoris (FT UMa) were obtained in 2010. The 2003 version of the Wilson-Devinney code was used to analyze the light curves in the B, V and R bands simultaneously. Based on the spectroscopic mass ratio q = 0.984 published by Pribulla et al., it is found that FT UMa is an evolved contact binary with a contact degree of 15.3%. The low amplitude of light variations, ～ 0.15 mag, arises mainly from a moderately low inclination angle...     

New multi-color photometric investigations of solar-like contact binary V680 Per

High-precision CCD photometric observations of the contact binary V680 Per were obtained in2016. Its symmetric multi-color light curves were analyzed by using the Wilson–Devinney(2013) program.These photometric solutions suggest that V680 Per is an A-type W UMa contact binary with the mass ratio of q=0.693 and a fill-out factor of f = 18.84% with a small temperature difference of 101 K. Based on all minimum times, the O-C curve was analyzed for the first time in this study. A cyclic oscillation(A_3= 0.00093 d, T_3= 4.92 yr) superimposed on a secular decrease(d P/dt =-8.16 × 10~(-8) d yr~(-1)) was identified. The continuous decrease in period is possibly a result of mass transfer from the more massive component to the less massive one, or angular momentum loss due to a magnetic stellar wind. Because of this secular decrease, it is predicted that the degree of contact will become higher, and V680 Per will evolve into a deeper overcontact binary.     

Photometric study and period analysis of the W UM-type binary system QW Gem

New multi-color photometric observations of the previously unstudied contact binary QW Gem are presented. Completely covered BVRI band light curves were obtained, including four new times of light minima. The light curves were simultaneously analyzed with the 2013 version of the Wilson-Devinney method, assuming a third light. The photometric solutions confirm that QW Gem is a W-type W UMa system with a fill-out factor of f~17%. The absolute parameters of the components were determined to be M_p= 1.33 ± 0.03 M_☉,M_s = 0.44 ± 0.01 M_☉,R_p = 1.25 ± 0.01 R_☉,R_s = 0.77 ± 0.01 R_☉,Lp= 1.68 ± 0.03 L_☉ and L_s = 0.68 ± 0.01 L_☉. The orbital period change of QW Gem was investigated by the O-C method using all available data. The results show that this binary system could have undergone a continuous orbital period decrease during the past two decades at a rate of about dP/dt =-2.55 × 10~(-7) d yr~(-1). In addition, a small-amplitude oscillation was detected to be superimposed on a long-term decrease.     

First photometric study of ultrashort-period contact binary 1SWASP J140533.33+114639.1

In this paper,CCD photometric light curves for the short-period eclipsing binary 1 SWASP J140533.33+114639.1(hereafter J1405) in the BV R bands are presented and analyzed using the 2013 version of the Wilson-Devinney(W-D) code. It is discovered that J1405 is a W-subtype shallow contact binary with a contact degree of f = 7.9±0.5% and a mass ratio of q = 1.55±0.02. In order to explain the asymmetric light curves of the system,a cool starspot on the more massive component is employed. This shallow contact eclipsing binary may have been formed from a short-period detached system through orbital shrinkage due to angular momentum loss. Based on the(O-C) method,the variation of orbital period is studied using all the available times of minimum light. The(O-C) diagram reveals that the period is increasing continuously at a rate of d P/dt = +2.09×10~(-7) d yr~(-1),which can be explained by mass transfer from the less massive component to the more massive one.     

Long-term photometric study of a faint W UMa binary in the direction of M31

We carry out a re-analysis of the photometric data in R_cI_c bands which were taken during the Nainital Microlensing Survey from 1998 to 2002 with the aim to detect gravitational microlensing events in the direction of M31. Here, we do photometric analysis of a faint W UMa binary CSS_J004259.3 +410629 identified in the target field. The orbital period of this star is found to be 0.266402±0.000018 d.The photometric mass ratio, q,is found to be 0.28 ± 0.01. The photometric light curves are investigated using the Wilson-Devinney(WD) code and absolute parameters are determined using empirical relations which provide masses and radii of the binary as M_1 = 1.19 ± 0.09 M_☉,M_2 = 0.33 ± 0.02 M_⊙ and R_1=1.02±0.04 R_⊙,R_2 = 0.58 ±0.08 R_⊙ respectively based on R_c band data. Quite similar values are found by analyzing I_c band data. From the photometric light curve examination, the star is understood to be a low mass-ratio overcontact binary of A-subtype with a high fill-out factor of about 47%. The binary system is found to be located approximately at a distance of 2.64 ± 0.03 kpc having a separation of 2.01 ± 0.05 R_⊙ between the two components.     

The low-mass classic Algol-type binary UU Leo revisited

New multi-color photometry of the eclipsing binary UU Leo, acquired from 2010 to 2013, was carried out by using the 60-cm and 85-cm telescopes at the Xinglong station, which is administered by National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences. With the updated Wilson-Devinney code, the photometric solution was derived from BVR light curves. The results imply that UU Leo is a semi-detached Algol-type binary, with a mass ratio of q = 0.100（±0.002）. The change in orbital period was reanalyzed based on all available eclipsing times. The 0 - C curve could be described by an upward parabola superimposed on a quasi-sinusoidal curve. The period and semi-amplitudes are Pmod = 54.5（±1.1） yr and A = 0.0273d（±0.0015d）, which may be attributed to the light-time effect via the presence of an invisible third body. The long-term period increases at a rate of dR/dr=＋4.64（±0.14）×10^-7d yr^-1, which may be interpreted by the conserved mass being transferred from the secondary to the primary. With mass being transferred, the low-mass Algol-type binary UU Leo may evolve into a binary system with a main sequence star and a helium white dwarf.     

PS Vir:a short-period solar-like contact binary

We present multi-color photometric observations and a one-dimensional spectrum, acquired from March 2016 to May 2017, for the short-period eclipsing binary PS Vir, by using the 2.16-m,85-cm and 60-cm telescopes at Xinglong station, which is administered by National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The spectral type was determined as G2V from the onedimensional spectrum. The photometric solution was reduced from BV Rc light curves. The results imply that PS Vir is a W-subtype contact binary with a mass ratio of q = 0.305(±0.008) and a fill-out factor of f = 14.4(±1.8)%. The orbital period may be undergoing a cyclic oscillation with an amplitude of A = 0.0027(±0.0001) d and a modulated period of 11.7(±0.2) yr, which may result from the light-time effect due to a third body. The lower limit on mass for the assumed component is 0.12 M⊙.Moreover, the more massive component of PS Vir may be a bit more evolved star as determined from the mass-luminosity diagram.     

The first photometric analysis of the totally eclipsing contact binary V811 Cep

The first photometric analysis of V811 Cep was carried out.The first complete light curves of V,R and I bands are given.The analysis was carried out by the Wilson-Devinney(W-D) program,and the results show that V811 Cep is a median-contact binary(f=33.9(±4.9) %) with a mass ratio of 0.285.It is a W-subtype contact binary,that is,the component with less mass is hotter than the component with more mass,and the light curves are asymmetric(O' Connell effect),which can be explained by the existence of a hot spot on the component with less mass.The orbital inclination is i=88.3°,indicating that it is a totally eclipsing binary,so the parameters obtained are reliable.Through the O-C analyzing,it is found that the orbital period decreases at the rate of ■=-3.90(±0.06) × 10~(-7)d yr~(-1),which indicates that the mass transfer occurs from the more massive component to the less massive one.     

SDSS J012119.10 001949.9:a very short period M dwarf contact binary from SDSS stripe 82

We present the first multicolor photometric observations of the short period low-mass eclipsing binary SDSS J012119.10–001949.9.By using the 2013 version of the Wilson-Devinney code,the photometric solutions are derived.It is found that the system is in a contact configuration(f=18.9±6.0%)with a moderate mass ratio of 0.5±0.01.A third light contributing about 6.1±1.3%of the total luminosity in the V band was found,which may come from a cool tertiary component.The derived high orbital inclination(i=83.9?±0.5?)and the almost symmetric three light curves suggest that the determined parameters are reliable.Both the color class and spectral class of the system correspond to a spectral type of M0,which may indicate that SDSS J012119.10–001949.9 belongs to a very rare class of M dwarf contact binaries that are below the theoretical short period limit.     

Discovery of Four Peculiar Variable Stars

Four stars, GSC 1258-0143, GSC 1986-1665, GSC 3045-0892 and GSC 2983-1597 were found to be new variables during a campaign of CCD photometric monitoring of short-period eclipsing binary stars. The variabilities of these new variables are reported. The main characteristics and probable classifications of the variables are discussed through a preliminary analysis on their light curves. Among these stars, GSC 1258-0143 is classified as a RR Lyr star of sub-type a. Its pulsation period is determined to be about 0.5206 days. The other three stars, are definite variables, but their periods and types of light variations remain unknown.     

ASAS J174406+2446.8 is identified as a marginal-contact binary with a possible cool third body

ASAS J174406+2446.8 was originally found as a δ Scuti-type pulsating star with the period P=0.189068 d by ASAS survey.However,the LAMOST stellar parameters reveal that it is far beyond the red edge of pulsational instability strip on the log g-T diagram of δ Scuti pulsating stars.To understand the physical properties of the variable star,we observed it by the 1.0-m Cassegrain reflecting telescope at Yunnan Observatories.Multi-color light curves in B,V,R_c and I_c bands were obtained and are analyzed by using the W-D program.It is found that this variable star is a shallow-contact binary with an EB-type light curve and an orbital period of 0.3781 d rather than a δ Scuti star.It is a W-subtype contact binary with a mass ratio of 1.135(±0.019) and a fill-out factor of 10.4%(±5.6)%.The situation of ASAS J174406+2446.8 resembles those of other EB-type marginal-contact binaries such as UU Lyn,Ⅱ Per and GW Tau.All of them are at a key evolutionary phase from a semi-detached configuration to a contact system predicted by the thermal relaxation oscillation theory.The linear ephemeris was corrected by using 303 new determined times of light minimum.It is detected that the O-C curve shows a sinusoidal variation that could be explained by the light-travel-time effect via the presence of a cool red dwarf.The present investigation reveals that some of the δ Scuti-type stars beyond the red edge of pulsating instability strip on the log g-T diagram are misclassified eclipsing binaries.To understand their structures and evolutionary states,more studies are required in the future.     

RT Leonis Minoris： an Unstable W Ursae Majoris System with a Spotted Component

Complete BV light curves of the W UMa type binary RT LMi are presented. From the observations, four times of minimum light were determined. Based on the new times of minimum light and those collected from the literature, changes in the orbital period of the system were found and analyzed with Kalimeris et al.'s method. The result shows that the orbital period possibly oscillates with a cycle of about 64 years and an amplitude of 1.2 × 10-6 days. The present CCD photometric observations reveal that the light curves are obviously asymmetrical, and show a positive O'Connell effect, while the light curves obtained in 1982 exhibit a negative O'Connell effect. The present light curves were analyzed by means of the latest version of the Wilson-Devinney code, which was also used to correct the photometric effects, including the distortion on the radial-velocity curves obtained by Rucinski et al. The following absolute dimensions have been derived: MI -1.28 ±0.08 M⊙, M2 = 0.48 ±0.06 M⊙, R1 = 1.28 ±0.06 R⊙,     

OO Aquilae:a solar-type contact binary with intrinsic light curve changes

New multi-color photometry of the solar-type contact binary OO Aql was obtained in 2012 and2013, using the 60 cm telescope at Xinglong Station of the National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences. From two sets of light curves LC_1 and LC_2, photometric models were performed by using the 2003 version of the Wilson-Devinney code. The overcontact factor of the binary system was determined to be f = 37.0(±0.5)%. The intrinsic variability of this binary occurs in light maxima and minima, which could result from a possible third component and magnetic activity of the late type components. Based on all available light minimum times, the orbital period may change in a complicated mode,i.e., sudden period jumps or continuous period variations. The period of OO Aql may possibly undergo a secular period decrease with a rate of d P /dt =-3.63(±0.30) × 10~(-8)d yr~(-1), superimposed by two possible cyclic variations in the O- C curve. The long-term period decrease may be interpreted as conserved mass transfer from the more massive component to the less massive one. The 21.5-yr oscillation may be attributed to cyclic magnetic activity, and the 69.3-yr one may result from the light-time effect of an unseen tertiary body.     

Photometric investigation of the K-type extremely shallow contact binary V1799 Orion

New multi-color light curves of the very short period K-type eclipsing binary V1799 Ori were obtained and analyzed with the Wilson-Devinney code. The photometric solutions reveal that the system is a W-type shallow-contact binary with a mass ratio of q = 1.335(±0.005) and a degree of contact of about f = 3.5(±1.1)%.In general, the results are in good agreement with what is reported by Samec. Dramatic manifestations of the O'Connell effect that appear in the light curves can be explained well by employing starspots on the binary surface, which confirms that the system is active at present. Several new times of light minimum were obtained. All the available times of light minimum were collected, along with the recalculated and newly obtained values. Applying a least-squares method to the constructed O- C diagram,a new ephemeris is derived for V1799 Ori. The orbital period is found to show a continuous weak increase at a rate of 1.8(±0.6) × 10-8d yr-1. The extremely shallow contact, together with the period increase, suggests that the binary may be at a critical stage predicted by thermal relaxation oscillation theory.