Period variation and spot model for the W UMa type binary TY UMa

We present the full VRI light curves and the times of minima of TY UMa to provide a complete photometric solution and a long-term trend of period variation. The light curves show a high degree of asymmetry (the O'Connell effect). The maxima at 0.25 phase (Max I) are 0.021, 0.015, and 0.020 mag fainter than those at 0.75 phase (Max II) in V , R , and I , respectively. The period of TY UMa has varied in a sinusoidal way, superimposed on the long-term upward parabolic variation. The secularly increasing rate of the period is deduced as 1.83 s per century  ( P˙ / P =5.788×10^-10 d d^-1)  . The period of sinusoidal variation is about 57.4 yr. The spot model has been applied to fit the asymmetric light curves of TY UMa, to explain light variations. By changing only the spot parameters, the model light curves can fit the observed light curves for three epochs. This indicates that the variation of the spot location and size is the main reason for changing the shape of light curves, including two different maxima and the interchanging depths of occultation and transit minima.     

X-ray emission from the W UMa system TZ Bootis

HEAO-B (Einstein) satellite measurements with the Imaging Proportional Counter revealed the W UMa binary system TZ Bootis as an X-ray source. It is estimated that the luminosity ratioL _x/L_vof this system is about 10^–3.8 indicating that TZ Bootis is in the transition region between A- and W-type W UMa systems.     

FZ Orionis: a short period W UMa system

PhotoelectricU , B andV observations of the eclipsing binary system FZ Orionis obtained by the author during three years 1984, 1985 and 1986 are presented and studied. The present photometry may settle the dispute regarding the class and the period of the system light variation between the GCVS 1969 ( Lyr;p = 1.597 d) and Figer (1983) and Le Brogneet al. (1984) (W UMa;p 0.4 d) in favour of the latter. A period change was detected which may be elucidated as due to the presence of a third body and mass exchange between the components. Times of ten minima were determined and new ephemeris have been deduced. The present light and colour curves were investigated and preliminary parameters for the system could be estimated.     

CCD Photometry of the W UMa type star QX Andromeda

We present new B- and V-band photometry of the W UMa-type binary system QX And, which is a member of the open cluster NGC 752. Revised orbital period and new ephemerides were given for the binary system based on the data of times of light minima. The result of a period analysis reveals that the system is undergoing a continuous orbital period increase during the past decades. The rate of period increasing turns out to be about 2.7 × 10^?7 d yr^?1. With the Wilson–Devinney code, a photometric solution is computed. It yields a contact configuration for the system with a filling factor of 0.361. Combining the results from the photometric solution along with that from the radial-velocity observations, we have determined the absolute parameters for the two components of the system. The masses, radii and luminosity of the primary and secondary stars are calculated as 1.43 ± 0.04 M_⊙, 1.45 ± 0.09 R_⊙, 2.87 ± 0.40 L_⊙ and 0.44 ± 0.02 M_⊙, 0.87 ± 0.05 R_⊙, 0.99 ± 0.13 L_⊙, respectively. The evolutionary status and physical nature of the contact binary system were discussed compared with the theoretical models.     

The very short period W UMa system V 1022 Ophiuchi

Photoelectric light curves of V1022 Oph inB andV are presented. It has been confirmed that it is a W UMa type eclipsing binary with one of the shortest periods known (P<0.^d25). Some general properties of the system have been derived.Based on observations made at the European Southern Observatory (La Silla/Chile)     

Modern comprehensive study of the W UMa system TY Boo

New three color light curves of TY Boo were acquired during five nights from February to May 2006 in the BV R bandpass using a 50-cm F/8.4 RitcheyChr′etien telescope(Ba50)at the Baja Astronomical Observatory(Hungary),with a512×512 Apogee AP-7 CCD camera.A photometric solution of these light curves was obtained by means of the Wilson-Devinney code.The results showed that the less massive component is hotter than the more massive one,and the temperature difference between the components is △T～249 K.Long term investigation of the system based on all available data shows two stages of increase and a similar trend for decrease,which appears to be periodic behavior.A set of new light elements yields a new period(P=0.3171506d)and shows a periodic decrease with the rate d P/d E=5.858×10-12d cycle-1,6.742×10-9d yr-1or 0.058 s century-1.The evolutionary status of the system is discussed.     

1990 photometry of a small amplitude W UMa system LS Delphini

DifferentialUBV observations, carried out in 1990 observing season, of a small amplitude (0 _. ^m 15 inV andB) W UMa system LS Del = HD 199497 are presented. Wavelength-dependent light variations from cycle to cycle indicate that the system is in a very active phase, probably due to magnetic flare activity or mass transfer in the system. An analysis of the minima times indicate a probable secular increase of the photometric period which requires a mass transfer from less massive to more massive component. If this is true then the reverse-algol model by Liuet al. (1988) for this system would not be valid.     

The first photometric analysis and period investigation of the K-type W UMa type binary system V0842 Cep

V0842 Cep is a W UMa-type binary star that has been neglected since its discovery.We analysed the VR_cI_c light curves,obtained by the 1 m telescope at Weihai Observatory of Shandong University,using the Wilson-Devinney code.V0842 Cep was found to be a shallow contact binary system(f=8.7%) with a mass ratio of 2.281.Because its orbital inclination is greater than 80°,the photometric results are reliable.A period study is included which reveals a continually decreasing orbital period(dp/dt=1.50(±0.42)×10~(-7)d yr~(-1)).This trend could be attributed to the angular momentum loss via stellar wind.     

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)     

Biperiodic orbital period modulation of the W UMa binary system CK Bootis

A study of the orbital period variation of the W UMa system CK Bootis is made using an extended observational time base. The biperiodicity of the orbital period modulation is emphasized. Both detected periodicities (24.14 yr and 10.62 yr) cannot be explained through the light-time effect unless the companion would be a white dwarf as suggested by other authors, too. Moreover, we also argue that, nowadays at least, it seems that there is no causal relation between the orbital period variation and the recently discovered visual companion. Consequently, we infer that at least one of the two periodicities may be related to the magnetic activity cycles in the component stars of CK Boo, while the other periodicity could be related to the presence of a fourth companion in the system.     

First photometric study of the W UMa system GSC 1042-2191

We present new photometric observations covering eight minima times for the eclipsing binary GSC 1042-2191. The light curves in $\mathit{BVRI}$ colors were analyzed by using WD-code for the system parameters. Eight minima times were obtained from the new observations. The system is found a low mass ratio (q = 0.148), A-type over-contact binary with a fill out parameter of f = 65.01 ± 12.18%. The preliminary absolute dimensions (M₁= 1.26 ± 0.06 M_⊙, M₂ = 0.18 ± 0.06 M_⊙, R₁ = 1.54 ± 0.20 R_⊙, R₂ = 0.69 ± 0.01 R_⊙, ${\mathit{L}}_1$ =3.30 ± 0.30 L_⊙ and ${\mathit{L}}_2$ = 0.59 ± 0.20 L_⊙) indicate the very much oversized and over-luminous secondary component, by assuming the present luminosity of the secondary is its main sequence luminosity, we predict the original mass is about 0.8 M_⊙, this means the present secondary could be transferred and/or lost 77% of its original mass and only its core is left.     

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)     

Energy Transfer in W UMa Systems

W UMa stars consist of two main sequence stars touching each other. Mass and energy is transferred from the primary star to the secondary one throughout the neck between the stars. The rate of the energy transfer is studied. The energy transfer rate depends on the mass and luminosity ratio. A new group of W UMa-type stars is introduced: it is called H-subtype systems meaning high mass ratio systems. They have a mass ratio larger than 0.72 and a different energy transfer rate relation than other types of W UMa systems.     

Photometric study of W UMa type binaries in the intermediate open cluster NGC 7789

The light curve solutions of two W UMa binary systems in the intermediate open cluster NGC 7789 are presented in this paper. These variables were observed using the 2 m telescope of the IUCAA-Girawali Observatory. The V passband photo-metric solutions of the two W UMa binaries were obtained using the latest version of the W–D program. The result shows that both systems are H-subtype W UMa binaries with high mass ratios.     

Period Investigation on Two W UMa Binaries HH UMa and V1175 Her

HH UMa and V1175 Her are two W UMa contact binary systems whose periods were reported as undergoing secular increase.In this paper,we improved their period analyses with a more extensive database of eclipse timings,finding that both periods show cyclic variation.The cyclic variation could be attributed to a Light Travel Time Effect induced by a third body.Both circular orbit and eccentric orbit cases were considered.For HH UMa,the cyclic variation with a period of around 20 yr has been detected,...