The early spectroscopy of V2670 Oph (Nova Oph 2008)

We report the spectroscopic observations of nova V2670 Oph secured at the Loiano Observatory, Italy, 39 days after the outburst. The spectra of V2670 Oph showed auroral lines, suggesting that ionization was increasing. V2670 Oph is a fast nova, with a decline rate by three magnitudes of 42 days. We have estimated the absolute magnitude at maximum and the distance of V2670 Oph. The nova achieved an absolute magnitude at maximum in the interval −7.9,…,−7.4. The distance of V2670 Oph is in the range 4.7–5.8 kpc.     

Broadband X-ray spectrum of the intermediate polar V2400 Oph

We present the results of our analysis of the observations of the intermediate polar V2400 Oph by the INTEGRAL and RXTE observatories. We reconstructed the spectrum of the source over a wide (3–100 keV) energy range. The spectrum obtained can be fitted by a computed theoretical model of the post-shock emitting region with T_max～22 keV. As a result, we estimated the mass (0.59M_⊙) and radius (8.8×10⁸ cm) of the white dwarf in the system V2400 Oph.     

New photoelectric observations of four W UMa systems: OO aql,V839 Oph,V566 Oph,and SW Lac

The W UMa-type systems (OO Aql, V839 Oph, V566 Oph, and SW Lac) were observed photoelectrically in two wavebands (B andV) during the years 1982–1983. The light curves of these systems are analysed using Kopal's frequency-domain technique and the optimisation method. New geometrical and physical elements have been determined. The absolute elements and the period variations of these systems are discussed.     

Long‐term photometry of three active red giants in close binary systems: V2253 Oph,IT Com and IS Vir

We present and analyze long‐term optical photometric measurements of the three active stars V2253 Oph, IT Com and IS Vir. All three systems are single‐lined spectroscopic binaries with an early K giant as primary component but in different stages of orbital‐rotational synchronization. Our photometry is supplemented by 2MASS and WISE near‐IR and mid‐IR magnitudes and then used to obtain more accurate effective temperatures and extinctions. For V2253 Oph and IT Com, we found their spectral energy distributions consistent with pure photospheric emission. For IS Vir, we detect a marginal mid‐IR excess which hints towards a dust disk. The orbital and rotational planes of IT Com appear tobe coplanar, contrary to previous findings in the literature. We apply a multiple frequency analysis technique to determine photometric periods, and possibly changes of periods, ranging from days to decades. New rotational periods of 21.55±0.03 d, 65.1±0.3 d, and 23.50±0.04 d were determined for V2253 Oph, IT Com, and IS Vir, respectively. Splitting of these periods led to tentative detections of differential surface rotations of δP/P ≈ 0.02 for V2253 Oph and 0.07 for IT Com. Using a time‐frequency technique based on short‐term Fourier transforms we present evidence of cyclic light variations of length ≈ 10 yr for V2253 Oph and 5–6 yr for IS Vir. A single flip‐flop event has been observed for IT Com of duration 2–3 yr. Its exchange of the dominant active longitude had happened close to a time of periastron passage, suggesting some response of the magnetic activity from the orbital dynamics. The 21.55‐d rotational modulation of V2253 Oph showed phase coherence also with the orbital period, which is 15 times longer than the rotational period, thus also indicating a tidal feedback with the stellar magnetic activity. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Binaries in the vicinity of the open cluster IC 4665.I. V 378 Oph

Erste Ergebnisse unseres Programms zur Untersuchung von Doppelsternen, die mögliche Mitglieder von offenen Sternhaufen sind, werden vorgestellt. Daneben wurde die Verteilung von spektroskopischen Variablen und Bedeckungsveränderlichen in der weiteren Umgebung des offenen Haufens IC 4665 ermittelt. Desweiteren wird über eine photometrische Studie des Variablen V 378 Oph berichtet. Über dieses Objekt gibt es, den Helligkeitswechsel betreffend, widersprüchliche Daten. Unsere Beobachtungen bestätigen, daß V 378 Oph ein Doppelstern vom Typ ß Lyrae ist. Seine Periode wurde bestimmt und eine mittlere Lichtkurve ermittelt. Es wird auf einige Besonderheiten hingewiesen, die zusätzliche lichtelektrische und photometrische Beobachtungen erfordern. Anschließend wird diskutiert, ob V 378 Oph zu Mel 186 (Cr 359) oder IC 4665 gehört.     

On the Overcontact Binary V2388 Oph and An Improved M–R Relation for Ltcbs

The evolutionary stage of the low-temperature contact binary (LTCB) V2388 Oph has been investigated. V2388 Oph was previously classified as an A-type W UMa star, and is the brighter member of the visual binary Fin 381. When compared to other well-known LTCBs it is evident that the primary component has evolved to the TAMS, and the companion also seems to be more evolved than a ZAMS star. Mochnacki proposed a new subgroup of W UMa stars, namely of OO Aql type, distinct from A and W types. V2388 Oph is suggested to be a member of this new group.     

Polarimetric observations of some stars with an infrared (emission) excess

The results of an investigation of polarimetric and IR (IRAS) observations of 12 B-A-F stars are presented. It is shown that the polarization parameters (P % and θ°) for the stars 66 Oph, SU Cas, HD 206773, EW Lac, and HD 216411 differ markedly in different colors (U, B, V, R). Color-color diagrams of the dependence of [12] - [60] on [12] - [25], of V- [12] on B - V, and of [12] - [25] on V- [12] are given. It is shown that the stars SU Cas, α CrB, γ Ser, γ Oph, QR Vul, and HD 183362 have dust shells of the Vega type. The stars 66 Oph and EWLac are similar in IR color indices to 51 Oph (B9.5Ve), while HD 206773, HD 208682, HD 216411, and HD 179761 are similar to HD 9672, β Pic, and HR 4796, which have more extended shells. Translated from Astrofizika, Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 353-360, July–September, 2000.     

A photometric study of V566 ophiuchi

The A-type W UMa system V566 Oph was observed photoelectrically in two wavebands (B andV) in the years 1988-1989 at the Kryonerion Astronomical Station of the National Observatory of Athens, Greece. The light curves of the system are analyzed using frequency-domain techniques and new geometric and photometric elements are derived. These elements are combined with the more recent spectroscopic data based on Reticon observations to yield the absolute parameters of the system. The evolutionary status of the system is considered and it is found that V566 Oph has started its evolution away from the Main Sequence. The period of the system continues to increase.     

A simultaneous spectroscopic and photometric study of two eclipsing binaries: V566 Oph and V972 Her

In this study, we have performed simultaneous solutions of light and radial velocity curves of two eclipsing binary systems, V566 Oph and V972 Her. We observed both systems spectroscopically with a very recently installed spectrograph on the 40 cm telescope, T40, located in Ankara University Kreiken Observatory (AUKR), for the first time. We made use of the photometric data from the Hipparcos satellite for V972 Her, while we obtained the photometric observations of V566 Oph by using the 35 cm telescope, T35, located also in our observatory campus. We derived the absolute parameters for both systems and discussed their evolutionary states. In addition to the simultaneous analysis, we have also analyzed the change in mid-eclipse times for V566 Oph, and found cyclic variations, for which we have discussed light-time effect and magnetic activity as their potential origin, superimposed on a secular change due to a mass transfer between the components of the binary.     

Velocity curve studies of spectroscopic binary stars V380 Cygni, V401 Cyg, V523 Cas, V373 Cas and V2388 Oph

Using measured radial velocity data of five double lined spectroscopic binary systems V380 Cygni, V401 Cyg, V523 Cas, V373 Cas and V2388 Oph, we find corresponding orbital and spectroscopic elements via the method introduced by Karami & Mohebi (2007) and Karami & Teimoorinia (2007). Our numerical results are in good agreement wit. those obtained by others using more traditional methods.     

Possible third body effects in the period changes of four Algol binaries: RY Aqr,SZ Her,RV Lyr and V913 Oph

An investigation of the orbital period changes of the neglected eclipsing binaries, RY Aqr, SZ Her, RV Lyr and V913 Oph, is presented based on all published minima times. Although the explanation of magnetic activity on the surface of the secondaries of the studied Algols is still open, the preferred light‐time effect due to the unseen components around the systems seems more plausible in explaining the tilted sinusoidal variations with relatively high‐amplitudes. The minimal mass values of possible tertiary components have been estimated to be about 1.06, 0.25, 0.78 and 2.85 M_⊙ for RY Aqr, SZ Her, RV Lyr and V913 Oph, respectively and the results indicate that their contributions to the total light of the eclipsing pairs are measurable with high accuracy photometric and spectroscopic data, if they exist. Applegate's (1992) model has been discussed as an alternative mechanism assuming that the cooler components have magnetic cycles. It is found that the model parameters of RY Aqr and V913 Oph are consistent with the required values in Applegate's model. In addition to the first detailed orbital study on these systems, a statistical survey on the character of the O – C variations of classical Algols has revealed that about 50 percent of the systems show cyclic behavior. This means that the presence of possible third bodies around classical Algols should be tested with careful analysis using new data. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A new look at the position of the 1604 Supernova (V843 Ophiuchi)

The position of the supernova of 1604 (V843 Oph) is re‐assessed, with relevant discussion pertaining to the present‐day remnant, 3C 358. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The nature of recurrent novae

The observational properties and outburst histories of each member of the small class of recurrent novae are reviewed, with the objective of identifying the outburst mechanisms for these systems. Examples are found of both accretion-powered outbursts (T CrB and RS Oph) and thermonuclear-powered outbursts (T Pyx and U Sco). Outburst properties which might be used in future to distinguish between these mechanisms are identified. Many erstwhile recurrent novae (VY Aqr, RZ Leo, V616 Mon, V1195 Oph, V529 Ori, WZ Sge, and V1017 Sgr) appear to be misclassified examples of other types of cataclysmic variables.Paper presented at the IAU Colloquium No. 93 on Cataclysmic Variables. Recent Multi-Frequency Observations and Theoretical Developments, held at Dr. Remeis-Sternwarte Bamberg, F.R.G. 16–19 June, 1986.     

The short-period eclipsing binary V1010 Ophiuchi does it have an eccentric orbit?

V1010 Oph is an unusually complicated close binary. Leung and Wilson (1977) found the system had an overcontact configuration. Subsequently, Margoniet al. (1981) claimed that the system had an eccentric orbit withe=0.25 based upon their spectroscopic study. We computed a theoretical radial velocity curve (accounting for tidal, reflection, and eclipse effects) based on the photometric parameters (e.g.,e=0) of Leung and Wilson. The computed curve fits the Asiago and Kitt Peak data very well. It is suggested that the asymmetry in the observed radial velocity arose from tidal, reflection, and eclipse effects rather than from orbital eccentricity. Other arguments against an eccentric orbit for V1010 Oph are also discussed. It is concluded that the eccentricity derived from the spectroscopic study may be spurious.On leave from Beijing University, China.     

The accretion flow in the discless intermediate polar V2400 Ophiuchi

RXTE observations confirm that the X-ray light curve of V2400 Oph is pulsed at the beat cycle, as expected in a discless intermediate polar. There are no X-ray modulations at the orbital or spin cycles, but optical line profiles vary with all three cycles. We construct a model for line-profile variations in a discless accretor, based on the idea that the accretion stream flips from one magnetic pole to the other, and show that this accounts for the observed behaviour over the spin and beat cycles. The minimal variability over the orbital cycle implies that (1) V2400 Oph is at an inclination of only ≈10°, and (2) much of the accretion flow is not in a coherent stream, but is circling the white dwarf, possibly as a ring of denser, diamagnetic blobs. We discuss the light that this sheds on disc formation in intermediate polars.     

New photoelectric observations and elements of the eclipsing W UMa-type system V839 Oph

The W UMa-type system V839 Oph was observed photoelectrically in two wavebands (B andV) during 1985 at the Kryonerion Astronomical Station of the National Observatory of Greece. The light curves of the system are analysed using the frequency-domain techniques and new geometric and photometric elements are given. The light variations of the system are also discussed.     

High Temporal Resolution Spectroscopic Observations of the Flare Star V1054 Oph

We present the results of a high temporal resolution spectroscopic monitoring of the flare (UV Cet type) star V1054 Oph (Wolf 630AB), classified as a dM3.5e visual binary system. Intermediate resolution spectra have been taken during four nights (2–5 April 2001) using the IDS spectrograph of the 2.5 m Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) (La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain). The V1054 Oph spectra show very strong emission lines even in its quiescent state. The analysis of the temporal evolution of the observed emission lines (from H_β to H₁₁ and the Ca II H and K lines) reveals four strong flares and several weak flares. We have studied in detail the behaviour of the chromospheric lines during the different phases (pre-flare, impulsive and gradual decay) of these flares. The observed flares last from ～25 to 95 min. The equivalent width of the H_β line changes by a factor up to ～2.3. Broad wings and asymmetric (red-shifted) lines are observed as well.     

Cyclical period changes in the dwarf novae V2051 Oph and V4140 Sgr

We report on the identification of cyclical changes in the orbital period of the eclipsing dwarf novae V2051 Ophiuchi and V4140 Sagittarii. We used sets of white dwarf mid-eclipse timings to construct observed-minus-calculated diagrams covering, respectively, 25 and 16 yr of observations. The V2051 Oph data present cyclical variations that can be fitted by a linear plus sinusoidal function with period of  22 ± 2 yr  and amplitude of  17 ± 3 s  . The statistical significance of this period by an F-test is larger than 99.9 per cent. The V4140 Sgr data present cyclical variations of similar amplitude and period of  6.9 ± 0.3 yr  which are statistically significant at the 99.7 per cent level. We derive upper limits for secular period changes of     and     for V2051 Oph and V4140 Sgr, respectively.
We have combined our results with those in the literature to construct a diagram of the amplitude versus period of the modulation for a sample of 11 eclipsing cataclysmic variables (CVs). If the cyclical period changes are the consequence of a solar-type magnetic activity cycle in the secondary star, then magnetic activity is a widespread phenomenon in CVs, being equally common among long- and short-period systems. This gives independent evidence that the magnetic field (and activity) of the secondary stars of CVs do not disappear when they become fully convective. We also find that the fractional cycle period changes of the short-period CVs are systematically smaller than those of the long-period CVs.     

Cover Picture: Astron. Nachr. 7/2013

The spot activity of the spectroscopic binary V2253 Oph indicates a cyclic variation of about ten years and a phase coherence with the orbital period (see K. Olah et al., this issue, p. 625). (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

An asteroseismic study of the β Cephei star θ Ophiuchi: photometric results

We have carried out a three-site photometric campaign for the β Cephei star θ Oph from 2003 April to August. 245 h of differential photoelectric u v y photometry were obtained during 77 clear nights. The frequency analysis of our measurements has resulted in the detection of seven pulsation modes within a narrow frequency interval between 7.116 and 7.973 c d⁻¹. No combination or harmonic frequencies have been found. We have performed a mode identification of the individual pulsations from our colour photometry that shows the presence of one radial mode, one rotationally split  ℓ= 1  triplet and possibly three components of a rotationally split  ℓ= 2  quintuplet. We discuss the implications of our findings and point out the similarity of the pulsation spectrum of θ Oph to that of another β Cephei star, V836 Cen.