A photometric study of the eclipsing binary 68 u Her

The aim of this paper is to present and study the light curves (B andV) of the eclipsing binary 68 u Her from the photometric observations made at Al-Battani Observatory.New photometric elements have been obtained by a Fourier analysis of the light changes in the frequency-domain.     

Preliminary Photometric Results for the 2003 Eclipse of Ee Cep

We report multicolour photometric observations of the 2003 eclipse of the long-period (5.6 yr) eclipsing binary EE Cep. Measurements were obtained with ten telescopes at eight observatories in four countries. In most cases, UBV(RI)_C broad band filters have been used. The light curve shape shows that the obscuring body is an almost dark disk around a low-luminosity central object. However, variations of the colour indices during the eclipse indicate that the obscuring body emits a considerable amount of radiation in the near infrared.     

Orbital Light Curve of the Peculiar Binary V Sagittae in ExtendedHigh States of Brightness

We have analyzed the orbital modulation of V Sge in two intervals, each several years long, when the long-term light curve was relatively flat, in extended high state of brightness, and displayed just minor fluctuations. We used extensive sets of the visual AAVSO data. The two-sided moving averages with various values of Q were applied to the data folded with the orbital photometric phase – it allowed to pick out the general properties of the orbital component of the variations. We found that the modulation is always present but its shape near the secondary minimum (phase 0.5) remarkably varies for the two respective intervals. The secondary minimum is very prominent in one interval, but is almost absent in other interval. The standard deviation of brightness, computed for each bin of the folded light curve, displays variations through the orbital phase and has its minimum near phase 0.6. All these findings are confirmed for various values of Q. We argue that the source of the scatter of the orbital modulation is located in the lobe of the primary between its center and the L ₁ point, shifted slightly from the line of centers of the stars. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Photometric elements of V364 cassiopeiae

TheUBV photometric observations of the eclipsing binary V364 Cas have been discussed. Two sets of photometric elements, one based on the Russell and Merrill methods and the other based on Kopal's new method of the analysis of the light curves of eclipsing binary stars in the frequency-domain, have been derived. Using the observed colour indicesU-B andB-V, the spectral types of the systemic components are estimated. An examination of all the available times of minimum light of V364 Cas does not reveal any change in its orbital period.     

Analysis of the light curves of PV Cassiopeiae by use of automatized fourier techniques

UBV Light Curves of the eclipsing binary system PV Cassiopeiae have been investigated using recently developed frequency-domain techniques. This analysis is based on Kopal's new theory for the study of the light variations, between minima as well as within eclipses, of eclipsing binaries whose components undistorted or distorted by axial rotation and mutual tidal action.A method for the distinguishing of the photometric proximity and eclipse effects directly from the observed data is also presented. In this method no rectification is needed. The automated method has been tested successfully on the light curves of PV Cassiopeiae. Finally, a comparative discussion is given of Kopal's and Kitamura's methods of the light curves analysis.     

Photometric study of the FUor star V 1735 Cyg (Elias 1-12)

Results from optical photometric observations of the PMS star V 1735 Cyg are reported. The star is located in the IC 5146 dark cloud complex—a region of active star formation. On the basis of observed outburst and spectral properties, V 1735 Cyg was classified as a FUor object. We present data from BVRI CCD photometric observations of the star, collected from March 2003 to January 2009. Plates from the Rozhen Schmidt telescope archive were scanned for a brightness estimation of the star. A sequence of sixteen comparison stars in the field of V 1735 Cyg was calibrated in BVRI bands. The data from photographic observations made from 1986 to 1992 show a strong light variability (ΔV=1_⋅^m2). In contrast, the recent photometric data obtained from 2003 to 2009 show only small amplitude variations (ΔI=0_⋅^m3). The analysis of existing photometric data shows a very slow decrease in star brightness—1_⋅^m8 (R) for a 44 year period. The possibilities for future photometric investigations of V 1735 Cyg using the photographical plate archives is discussed briefly.     

The light curve of the comet 9P/Tempel 1: Temporal evolution from 1867 till 2005

The light curves of the periodic comet 9P/Tempel 1 obtained during its apparitions in 1972, 1983, 1994, and 2005 have been constructed and studied. The values of the photometric parameters H ₀, n, and H ₁₀ have been determined for these apparitions; and secular variations of the comet’s brightness have been studied. The light curve of the comet obtained close to the moment of the artificial impact agrees well with the change in the production rate of water molecules. The presented results are important from the point of the possible change in the photometric parameters induced by the artificial impact and the long-term evolution of the cometary core activity.     

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)     

Absolute parameters of the close binary BW Boo with a superasynchronous A2m primary component

Based on two high-dispersion spectra of the close binary BW Boo, we have detected lines of the secondary component whose contribution to the combined spectrum does not exceed 2%. We have determined the rotation velocities of the components and spectroscopic orbital elements. Numerous lines of neutral and ionized iron have been used to determine the effective temperature and surface gravity for the primary component. The photometric light curves for this binary have been solved for the first time. Its primary component is an A2Vm star with a mass of 2 ± 0.1M _⊙ and a radius of 1.9 ± 0.4R _⊙. Its rotation velocity is 2 km s⁻¹, which is a factor of 18 lower than the pseudo-synchronous velocity for this component. The G6 secondary component, a T Tau star, has a rotation velocity of 17 km s⁻¹, amass of 1.1M _⊙, and a radius of 1 R _⊙. The age of the binary has been estimated to be 10⁷ yr.     

A Colliding-Winds Interpretation of the U Orbital Variation of the Symbiotic Binary AG Pegasi

The photometric U orbital variations of the symbiotic binary AG Peg, caused by occultation of a bright gaseous region by the M giant in this system, are used to determine the geometry of this region whose existence is explained in the framework of the colliding winds model. The emission of the bright region varies and a particular value of its mean density of 2–3 10¹⁰ cm^-3 has been derived. The causes for the irregular variations of the light in the orbital minimum and maximum are discussed. It is also obtained, when the mass-loss rate of the hot companion of the system decreases to about 5 10^-10 Ms _⊙ yr^-1, this bright region will disappear. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

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)     

Long‐term photometry of the ultra‐fast rotator LO Peg

LO Peg is a young main‐sequence star of spectral type K3. With its equatorial rotation velocity of 65 km s^–1 it is amongst the ultra‐fast rotators. Its high equatorial rotation velocity and rapidly changing surface activity features make it an important object in terms of both stellar activity and the evolution of stellar rotation and angular momentum. Since its discovery as a variable star, it has mostly been subject to spectral surface mapping studies such as Doppler Imaging, while there have been very few photometric studies on it. This paper aims to present the first long‐term photometric observations and its results covering the years between 2003 and 2009. The UBVR Johnson wide band photometric data showed that the surface activity structures of LO Peg vary in timescales changing between days and months, and parallel to this, the mean, maximum and minimum brightness and amplitudes change dramatically between years and sometimes even within the same observation season. Long‐term changes in system brightness and colours, both characteristic features of active stars, were also seen in this ultra‐fast young star. The active longitudes, which has a life time of ∼1.3 years and an activity cycle period of ∼4.8 years for LO Peg were estimated (© 2011 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)     

Photometric study of MM Cas

TheU, B, andV photometric observations of the eclipsing binary MM Cas have been presented and discussed. The photometric elements have been derived. By use of the colour indicesU-B andB-V, the spectral types of the systemic components are estimated. An examination of all available times of minimum light of MM Cas does not reveal any change in its orbital period.     

Wind variability of LBV stars

General properties of Luminous Blue Variables (LBV) have been reviewed by Lamers(1987). The LBV's are all close to the Humphreys-Davidson luminosity upper limit. The semi periods of the photometric microvariations withV 0.1 ^m are about twice as large as for normal supergiants of the sameL andT _eff, and 4–20 times larger than the fundamental mode for radial pulsations. So, it is likely due to nonradial pulsations. During shell ejections, which accompanied by moderate photometric variations ofV 1 ^m ,L _bol remains constant. This fact has been explained by the quasiperiodic variations ofT _eff and the radius of pseudo-photosphere (Lamer 1986). LBV's are less stable than normal supergiants so that any internal instability has more effect on their envelopes. The nature of these instabilities remains unknown. We have found some interesting peculiarities which can throw light to this problem.     

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)     

Polarimetric and Photometric Observations of the Star CH Cygni

The results of photometric and polarimetric observations of the star CH Cygni in the B, V, and R filters are presented. Variations of brightness and color indices are given as functions of the time of observation. A fairly irregular character was found, both in the brightness variations and in the variations of color indices. The polarization observations showed that the light of CH Cygni is intrinsically polarized.     

Spotted Surface Structure of the Active Giant PZ Mon

Based on our photometric observations in 2015–2016 and archival photometric data for the active red giant PZ Mon, we have found the main characteristics of the stellar surface: the unspotted surface temperature T_eff = 4730 K, the spot temperature T_s = 3500 K, and the relative spot area from 30 to 40%. The best agreement with the observations has been achieved in our three-spot model including a cool polar spot with a temperature of ~3500 K as well as large and small warm spots with a temperature of ~4500 K. The stable polar spot is responsible for the long-period brightness variations. Its presence is confirmed by an analysis of the TiO 7054 Å molecular band. The small-amplitude 34-day variability is attributable to the warm spots located on the side of the secondary component, which determine the relatively stable active longitude.     

Active Galactic Nuclei

The term Active Galactic Nuclei includes QSOs (Quasi-Stellar Objects), Seyfert galaxies, BL Lac objects and nuclei showing unusual amounts of star formation. South African work has centred on the photometric properties of these objects, both in the optical(UBVRI) and the infrared(JHKL). Photometry has been used to investigate the nature of the relevant emission mechanisms by studying both the colours of the nuclear components and their variations. In particular, it has been demonstrated convincingly that circumnuclear dust shells are present in several Seyfert 1 galaxies at temperatures of around 1500 K.It has also been shown that the variable component in many Seyfert 1 galaxies retains a constant spectral shape independent of its actual flux at a given time. Further, there is evidence that this shape is largely the same in all Seyfert 1 galaxies. Other studies have concentrated on surveys of morphological, spectroscopic and photometric characteristics of certain classes of galaxies such as those found by the IRAS satellite and those listed in the Arp-Madore catalogue of interacting galaxies.     

Y Leonis: light curve solution revised and search for photometric variations of the primary minima

The interest in the study of the Algol binary system Y Leonis is justified not only by its light curve having a very deep primary minimum, and pulsating character of its primary component, but also by the complex behavior of its O–C curve which is featured by the presence of long and short time scale modulations. Taking into account the previously inferred K spectral type of the secondary component, one may expect that one of the involved periodicities could be related to magnetic cycles of this star. We gave the Wilson-Devinney solution of the eclipse light curve using our observational data obtained during 2009. The long- and short-term photometric variability of Y Leo is approached both through literature data and new CCD data. Even though these data are scarce, they revealed significant variability in the maximum and minimum brightness of this binary system at long time-scale. The nature of the rapid photometric variations during the deepest phase of primary minima can hardly be explained only by weak δ Scuti pulsations of the primary component which is still visible in partial eclipses.