Photometric solutions of some contact ASAS binaries

We present the first light curve solution of 6 contact binary systems which are chosen from the ASAS catalog. The photometric elements and the estimated absolute parameters of all systems are obtained with the light curve analyses. We calculated the values of degree of contact for the systems. The location of the targets on the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram and the mass–radius plane is compared to the other well-known contact binaries and the evolutionary status of the systems are also discussed.     

Light curve solutions of six eclipsing binaries at the lower limit of periods for W UMa stars

Photometric observations are presented in V and I bands of six eclipsing binaries at the lower limit of the orbital periods for W UMa stars. Three of them are newly discovered eclipsing systems. The light curve solutions reveal that all shortperiod targets are contact or overcontact binaries and six new binaries are added to the family of short-period systems with estimated parameters. Four binaries have components that are equal in size and a mass ratio near 1. The phase variability shown by the V-I colors of all targets may be explained by lower temperatures on their back surfaces than those on their side surfaces. Five systems exhibit the O'Connell effect that can be modeled by cool spots on the side surfaces of their primary components.The light curves of V1067 Her in 2011 and 2012 are fitted by diametrically opposite spots. Applying the criteria for subdivision of W UMa stars to our targets leads to ambiguous results.     

Photometric light curve solutions of three ultra-short period eclipsing binaries

We present the results of our study of the eclipsing binary systems CSS J112237.1+395219,LINEAR 1286561 and LINEAR 2602707 based on new CCD B, V, Rcand Iccomplete light curves. The ultra-short period nature of these stars, as reported by Drake et al., is confirmed and the system's periods are revised. The light curves were modeled using the 2003 version of the Wilson-Devinney code. When necessary, cool spots on the surface of the primary component were introduced to account for asymmetries in the light curves. As a result, we found that CSS J112237.1+395219 is a W UMa type contact binary system belonging to W subclass with a mass ratio of q = 1.61 and a shallow degree of contact of 14.8%where the primary component is hotter than the secondary one by 500 K. LINEAR 1286561 and LINEAR2602707 are detached binary systems with mass ratios q = 3.467 and q = 0.987 respectively. These detached systems are low-mass M-type eclipsing binaries with similar temperatures. The marginal contact,fill-out factor and temperature difference between components of CSS J112237.1+395219 suggest that this system may be at a key evolutionary state predicted by thermal relaxation oscillation(TRO) theory. From the estimated absolute parameters, we conclude that our systems share common properties with other ultrashort period binaries.     

BV Dra and BW Dra: Two contact systems in one visual binary

UBV light curves obtained in 1975 for both components of ADS 9537 are presented. These light curves and the light curve of BV Dra by Yamasaki have been solved for geometrical parameters using the synthesis method under two hypotheses explaining theW-subclass light curves: (1) temperature excess of the less massive components; (2) spots on the more massive components; the results are very similar. Because of the poor determinacy of the solutions, mass-ratios have been assumed:q=0.8 for BV Dra and a range inq for BW Dra; our solutions suggest preference for smallerq in the latter system. We compare both variables and conclude that they follow the Main Sequence dependences. We give also a bried discussion of the existing information on other contact binaries in multiple (visual) systems: the contact binaries seem to follow the same statistical distributions for occurrence in multiples as found for detached binaries but severe selection effects limit detectability for multiple systems with wide orbits having semi-axes below 100 a.u.On leave from the Warsaw University Observatory.Visiting Astronomer, Kitt Peak National Observatory which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under contract with the National Science Foundation.     

Properties of Components in Contact Systems

A new sample of contact systems, consisting of more than 100 stars, was created for binaries for which the physical parameters have been determined using both photometric light curves and radial velocity measurements of both components. Properties of components are discussed including their evolutionary status.     

First photometric investigation of two short-period eclipsing binaries NSVS 7377756 and for UCAC3 276-106147

We present the first CCD sets of complete light curves for two W Ursae Majoris Systems, UCAC3 276-106147 and NSVS 7377756. These light curves are here analyzed and modelled using the latest version of the Wilson-Devinney Code. We found that UCAC3 276-106147 is a W-subtype shallow-contact eclipsing binary (fill-out factor 7.5%), with a mass ratio of q = 2.88 (1/q = 0.347), a small temperature difference between the components of about ΔT =200K. NSVS 7377756 is an H-subtype binary system with a high mass ratio of q = 1.09 (1/q = 0.947), a weak degree of contact factor f = 3.8% and a temperature difference between the components of ΔT = 398 K. The light curves of both the systems appear to be unspotted. By using our 4 and 7 times of minimum light and the 30 and 104 ToMs extract from the SWASP observations, respectively for UCAC3 276-106147 and NSVS 7377756, the orbital periods are here revised. The elements obtained from this analysis are used to compute the physical parameters of the systems combining our photometric solution with the 3-D correlation obtained for contact binaries by Gazeas (2009). Based on these estimated parameters the evolutionary state of the components of the systems is investigated and discussed.     

O'Connell effect in early‐type contact binaries: DU Boo and AG Vir

The paper presents new photoelectric observations of the eclipsing binary systems DU Boo and AG Vir. The systems are somewhat similar – both are A‐type contact binaries with the maximum following the primary minimum being the brighter one. This light curve asymmetry is extremely temporally stable. The phase dependence of the color indices is unexpectedly small for the observed amplitude of the O'Connell effect, amounting to about 0.1 mag in the optical wavelength range which indicates a very large heated area with a temperature contrast of ΔT ≈ 1000–1500 K. The broadening functions (BFs) of the systems do not show any dark solar‐type photospheric spots. On the other hand, there are significant differences of BFs between the quadratures (surprisingly similar in both systems) indicative of stream of matter or bright region causing additional emission seen between the components around the phase 0.25. Absolute parameters of the components slightly depend on the adopted model. Long orbital period of both contact binaries combined with late spectral type indicate that the primary components of either of the systems (but particularly in case of DU Boo) already evolved off the main sequence (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A photometric study of two recently discovered,contact binaries-II: UCAC4 479-113658 and UCAC4 479-113711

In a previous paper, we have presented photometric studies of four recently discovered contact binaries (Djurašević, et al., 2016; hereafter Paper I) that were observed by the 1.88 m telescope of the Kottamia Astronomical Observatory (KAO) in Egypt. In this paper we continue studying two more recently discovered, by some of us, contact binaries UCAC4 479-113658 and UCAC4 479-113711, and analyze their light curves to determine orbital and physical parameters using the modeling program of G. Djurašević as in Paper I. The analysis shows that the two systems are W UMa contact binaries of late type main-sequence stars with a bright spot on the secondary less massive cool star of the first system; and spot on each component of the later system. We also conclude that both systems are most likely to be of the A-type class.     

Light curve synthesis for binary systems: The stellar wind effect

Synthesis methods for light and radial velocity curves allow one to find the physical parameters of the components of binary systems of different types. We describe the basics of a new light curve synthesis algorithm for binaries that contain stars with extended expanding atmospheres. The algorithm can be used to study, e.g., light curves of binaries that contain Wolf-Rayet stars.     

Light-curve analysis and eclipse mapping of the contact binaries KQ Gem and V412 Her

CCD photometry of the short-period binary stars KQ Gem and V412 Her is presented, together with some spectroscopic observations of KQ Gem. Although both systems are classified in the General Catalogue of Variable Stars as having light curves of EB/KW type, our data and analyses, involving light-curve synthesis and stellar surface imaging, show that KQ Gem is an EB system that is in marginal contact and has an enhanced bright region around the substellar point on the secondary component, whilst V412 Her is an EW system, a true contact binary with a mass ratio of 0.46 and both stars having the same surface brightness. The properties of the components of the two systems are compared with other marginal-contact and contact binaries, and a plea is repeated for more theoretical work on the mass/energy interchanges in contact binaries.     

First photometric analysis of the two EW binaries ZTF J214226.88+435827.1 and KAO-EGYPT J214216.38+440015.1

The EW-type eclipsing binaries are strongly interacting systems known to have often both component stars filling their crucial Roche lobes and having a common envelope. We present new BVRI light curves of the eclipsing binaries ZTF J214226.88+435,827.1 (ZTF21+43) and KAO-EGYPT J214216.38+440,015.1 (KAO21+44) based on CCD observations acquired with the 1.88-m Kottamia Astronomical Observatory (KAO) at Newtonian and Cassegrain telescope focus. The modeling results show that these two systems are to be W UMa contact binaries belonging to EW subtypes. All the light curves show the inverse O'Connell effect. We computed new ephemeris for each system using our times of minima and that available in the literature. Using our new times of minima and epochs for both systems from all available observations, the orbital period changes of these structures are studied for our systems. Using the PHOEBE package, a preliminary determination of the two systems' photometric orbital and physical parameters has been present. The positions of the systems were also depicted on the Hertzsprung-Russell (H-R), M-L, and T_eff-L diagrams to test their evolutionary status.     

Disk wind in young binaries and the origin of the cyclic activity of young stars

We present the results of our numerical simulations of the cyclic brightness modulation in young binary systems with eccentric orbits and low-mass secondary components. We suggest that the binary components accrete matter from the remnants of the protostellar cloud, with the main accretor (according to current models) being the low-mass component. The brightness variations of the primary are attributable to the periodic extinction variations on the line of sight caused by the disk wind from the secondary and by the common envelope produced by this wind. The distribution of matter in the envelope was calculated in the ballistic approximation. When calculating the optical effects produced by the dust component of the disk wind, we adopted the dust-to-gas mass ratio of 1:100 characteristic of the interstellar medium and the optical parameters of the circumstellar dust typical of young stars. Our calculations show that the theoretical light curves for binaries with elliptical orbits exhibit a wider variety of shapes than those for binaries with circular orbits. In this case, the parameters of the photometric minima (their depth, duration, and shape of the light curve) depend not only on the disk-wind parameters and the orbital inclination of the binary to the line of sight, but also on the longitude of the periastron. We investigate the modulation of the scattered radiation from the common envelope with orbital phase in the single-scattering approximation. The modulation amplitude is shown to be at a maximum when the system is seen edge-on and to be also nonzero in binaries seen pole-on. We discuss possible applications of the theory to young stellar objects. In particular, several model light curves have been found to be similar to those of candidate FU Orionis stars (FUORs).     

Contact binaries at different evolutionary stages

Contact binaries consist of two strongly interacting component stars where they are filling their critical Roche lobes and sharing a common envelope. Most of them are main-sequence stars, but some of them are post main-sequence systems. They are good astrophysical laboratories for studying several problems such as the merging of binary stars, evolution of the common envelope, the origin of luminous red nova outbursts and the formation of rapidly rotating single stars with possible planetary systems. A large number of contact binary candidates were detected by several photometric surveys around the world and many of them were observed by the LAMOST spectroscopic survey. Based on follow-up observations,the evolutionary states and geometrical structures of some systems were understood well. In this review,we will introduce and catalog new stellar atmospheric parameters(i.e., the effective temperature(Teff), the gravitational acceleration(log(g)), metallicity([Fe/H]) and radial velocity(Vr)) for 9149 EW-type contact binaries that were obtained based on low-and medium-resolution spectroscopic surveys of LAMOST. Then we will focus on several groups of contact binary stars, i.e., marginal contact binary systems, deep and low-mass ratio contact binary stars, binary systems below the short-period limit of contact binaries and evolved contact binaries. Marginal contact binaries are at the beginning of the contact stage, while deep and low-mass ratio contact binary stars are at the final evolutionary stage of tidally locked binaries. Several statistical relations including the period-temperature relation are determined well by applying LAMOST data and their formation and evolutionary states are reviewed. The period-color relation of M-type binaries reveals that there are contact binaries below the short-period limit. Searching for and investigating contact binaries near and below this limit will help us to understand the formation of contact binary systems and a new prediction for the short-period limit is about 0.15 d. Some evolved contact binaries were detected by the LAMOST survey where both components are sub-giants or giants. They provide a good opportunity to investigate evolution of the common envelope and are the progenitors of luminous red novae like V1309 Sco.     

A comprehensive study of six Algol type binaries

CCD light curves of the Algol type eclipsing binaries DP Cep, AL Gem, FG Gem, UU Leo, CF Tau and AW Vul were analysed using the Wilson–Devinney code and new geometric and absolute parameters were derived. Due to cyclic apparent orbital period changes of the systems, probably caused by the Light-Time Effect, the contribution of a third light was taken into account in the light curve solution. All the reliable timings of minima found in the literature were used to study the period variations and search for the presence of a tertiary component in the systems. A comparison between the parameters of the third body derived from the light curve and orbital period analyses is also discussed. Moreover, the absolute parameters of the eclipsing binary components were also used to determine their current evolutionary state.     

Photometric analysis of 8 newly discovered short-period eclipsing binaries at Astronomical Observatory at Kolonica Saddle

We present photometric analysis of 8 short-period eclipsing binaries discovered and observed at Astronomical Observatory at Kolonica Saddle between 2007 and 2010 with different instruments. We determined their orbital periods and performed photometric analysis of their light curves. We found that 3 systems are detached binaries, 4 systems are over-contact binaries of W UMa type and one system is semi-detached with the secondary component filling its Roche lobe. Light curves of 2 systems exhibit asymmetries, explained by spot(s) on the surface of the components.     

Light curve analysis of contact binaries: Characteristic quantities of the light curve

Quantities characterizing light curves of contact binaries of W UMa-type are introduced. For 2700 cases, theoretical light curves of contact binaries are computed by the light curve synthesis method, and characteristic quantities for these light curves are tabulated. An example of application of the table to the light curve analysis of contact binaries is shown, and the errors inherent in the solution are also discussed.     

三类密近双星自转同步性参量的理论计算和统计分析

利用双星自转同步性理论给出了６９个三类密近双星系统中９３个子星的临界同步自转参量和临界自转周期．并把利用临界自转同步参量所计算的临界自转周期与由气体星自转不稳定理论所计算的临界自转周期做了比较，其结果是两者均属同一量级．     

Infrared photometry for five close binary systems

We present the JHKLM photometry for five close (W Ser) binary systems obtained in the period 1996–2004. Positive phase shifts (with respect of the adopted ephemerides) have been found in the orbital infrared light curves for three binaries, RX Cas, KX And, and β Lyr; the rates of increase in their periods are ～3.5 × 10^?4, ～1.6 × 10^?3, and ～1.4 × 10^?4 days yr^?1, respectively. We have performed the spectral classification of the components of the binaries under study and estimated their parameters.     

Light curve solutions of the eccentric Kepler binaries KIC 4281895 and KIC 5115178 with tidally-induced humps

The paper presents our light curve solutions of the Kepler data of two eccentric, eclipsing binaries: KIC 4281895 and KIC 5115178. The derived orbital and stellar parameters reveal that their components are of G spectral type and undergo partial eclipses. We found tidally-induced light humps around the periastron phases of the two targets which are appearances of the recently discovered “heartbeat” phenomenon.     

Photometric study of three contact binary systems

The first complete light curves of two eclipsing binaries in Camelopardalis, NX Cam and V584 Cam, are here presented together with the new observations of the system NSVS 2643686 obtained in 2014. The light curves were modelled using the latest version of the Wilson-Devinney code. Our results show that all the three systems have an extreme mass ratio q < 0.2, two of them, NX Cam and NSVS 2643686, having the fill-out f > 50%, belong to the class of the so called Deep Low Mass Ratio systems (DLMR) but show different physical characteristics. The two above systems are totally eclipsed binaries with the duration of the secondary eclipse of 87 min for NX Cam and 51 min for NSVS 2643686. The other system, V584 Cam, shows a middle fill-out value of f = 33% and low inclination. Using our Times of Minima (ToM) derived from the observations as well as those found in the literature, the ephemerides of the three systems are here revised. The absolute dimensions are estimated and, from statistical diagram, it is found that all the components of the systems follow the general pattern of the well known W UMa contact binaries.