Photometric Study of the W Uma-Type Eclipsing Binary System GSC 4832.400

We present a photometric analysis of the eclipsing binary systemGSC4832.400 based on 732 photometric observations obtained on sixteen clear nights during 1999–2000 in the V-Johnson and yb-Strömgren filters. The observed times of the minima yielded a linear ephemeris showing that the system has a constant period of 0.313150 ± 0.000002days. The light curve corresponds to a circular orbit for the system and clearly shows that GSC4832.400 has the defining characteristics of a W UMa-type eclipsing binary. It also shows a small O'Connell effect, which could be due to the presence of a hot spot in the primary star. A preliminary photometric solution based on the assumption of an over contact systemsatis factorily reproduced the observed light curve.     

Recent photometry of symbiotic stars

We present new photometric observations of 15 symbiotic stars covering their last orbital cycle(s) from 2003.9 to 2007.2. We obtained our data by both classical photoelectric and CCD photometry. Main results are: EG And brightened by ∼0.3 mag in U from 2003. A ∼0.5 mag deep primary minimum developed in the U light curve (LC) at the end of 2006. ZAnd continues its recent activity that began during the 2000 autumn. A new small outburst started in summer of 2004 with a peak U magnitude of ∼ 9.2. During the spring of 2006 the star entered a massive outburst. It reached its historical maximum at U ∼ 8.0 in 2006 July. AEAra erupted in 2006 February with Δm_vis ∼ 1.2 mag. BF Cyg entered a new active stage in 2006 August. A brightness maximum (U ∼ 9.4) was measured during 2006 September. CH Cyg persists in a quiescent phase. During 2006 June–December a ∼ 2 mag decline in all colours was measured. CI Cyg started a new active phase during 2006 May–June. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Analysis of the light curve of the magnetic CP star HD 56022

An examination of the published observational data concerning the light curves of magnetic CP stars has shown that only one star — HD 56022 — shows a light curve with a very long phase interval of light constancy. Only for this type of variability it is imaginable that the equatorial symmetry of the surface brightness distribution could be excluded. However, the analysis of the light curve of HD 56022 in the colour u of the Strömgren system has indicated that the possibly equatorial position of the small bright spot is not in contradiction to this observed curve. From the analysis in u the maximum amplitude of a light curve at another wavelength, where the curve is in counterphase to the light curve in u, can be predicted. The amplitude of such a light curve must be much smaller than 0.1 mag. From unpublished observations of HD 56022 by the satellites TD-1 A and ANS we have determined the amplitude at $LD = 155 nm, where the light curve is in counterphase to that in u, to be 0.2 mag. The consequences from the contradiction between the model and the observations in UV are discussed.     

The distortions in the light curves of MM herculis

The RS CVn-type eclipsing binary MM Her was observed photoelectrically inB andV colours. The light curves obtained in 1984 and 1985 are presented. It was found that the depths of the primary minima are decreased from 1983 to 1985. However, the amplitude of the wave-like distortion outside the eclipses was detected to increase since 1976. The period of migration was determined to be about 3.57±0.08 years.     

Orbital Period Studies of the RS CVn-Type BinariesII. UV Piscium

Many available published times of light minima of the active binary system UV Psc have been collected and analyzed using a new method proposed by Kalimeris et al. (1994). Similar to what was seen in other RS CVn-type binaries, the orbital period of UV Psc oscillates with a period of about 61 years and an semi-amplitude of 0.21 ×10^-5 days. Two possible mechanisms (magnetic activity cycle mechanism and a light-time effect due to a hypothetical third body) that could modulated the orbital period behaviour are studied. We think that the cyclical period change in UV Psc can most probably be attributed to a magnetic activity cycle in the primary component. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

UBV photometry of FK Comae

UBV photometry of the peculiar star FK Comae, obtained during the period January–June 1983, is presented. The amplitude of the photometric variation has raised with respect to the previous observations performed in 1981 and 1982, attaining about 0.18 mag in theV filter. Colour curves indicate that the star is redder at minimum light; this fact is consistent with both the models presented to explain the properties of FK Comae. A Fourier analysis of the light curves available in the literature has been performed; the phases of minimum and maximum light turn out to be noticeably stable in time. This fact is difficult to be reconciled with the hypothesis of dark spots that are observed to migrate in other active stars. Rather, it could be explained by the model of Walter and Basri (1982a, b), implying an extremely evolved Algol-type system accreting mass on its primary component.     

Spot activity in the RS CVn binary UX arietis

Photoelectric observations of the RS CVn type non-eclipsing binary UX Arietis obtained at Nizamiah Observatory during the observing seasons of 1975–76, 1981–82 and 1982–83 are presented. The light curve of UX Ari showed a distortion wave with an amplitude inV varying from 0.02 mag during 1975–76 to 0.15 mag during 1982–83. An analysis of the available data shows that the light maximum is almost constant. It is also evident that the light-curve minimum decreases as the wave amplitude increases. The constant light at maximum,V = 6.51 ± 0.03 indicates the unspotted photospheric brightness. It is also suggested that the variation in meanV brightness is mainly due to spot activity and not due to intrinsic variation.     

V758 Centauri:UBV photometry

The W UMa system V758 Centauri has been observed photoelectrically in theUBV system at Bosque Alegre Station, and the comparison and check stars at Cerro Tololo Observatory. Full light curves were constructed from 1043 differentialUBV observations. A study of 11 photoelectric times of minimum light and of earlier photographic data shows that the period remained constant in the last century, V758 Cen shows a total occultation at secondary minimum, thus being an A-type W UMa system. Asymmetries are observed at primary minima whereas maxima are of different heights. Thermal decoupling of the components is suggested by the depth ratio of the minima; V758 Cen may be at the broken phase (or marginal contact) of a thermal relaxation oscillation.     

A photometric light variation and a 1500 days secondary period in the W UMa system TZ bootis

Photoelectric observations of the eclipsing variable TZ Bootis, obtained in 1983 and 1986, in the two coloursB andV are presented: They are compared with the previous light curves of the system. The light curve changes show that the system TZ Bootis has a solar-like activity cycle with a period of 1500 days. The primary shows a transit, whereas the secondary shows an occultation minima. The maxima exhibit a large difference suggesting a large complication in the system. The (O-C) trend indicates that the period did not remain constant; a satisfactory representation of all the observed time of minimum light was obtaiend assuming a linear trend in the (O-C)s. The star may be classified to A-type W UMa systems.     

Photovisual light curve and photometric elements of the eclipsing nucleus of the planetary nebula Abell 63

The firstV-photoelectric light curve (on theUBV system) of the eclipsing variable UU Sagittae (constituting the central star of a faint planetary nebula Abell 63) was obtained in 1979 with the 74 in. reflector at the Kottamia station of Helwan Observatory in Egypt, and analysed for the photometric elements of the system. Some of the geometrical elements obtained by us differ significantly from those previously deduced by Bondet al. (1978) from theirB-light curve secured in 1976; but there is no reason to suspect from this that any physical change has taken place in the system between 1976 and 1979.The most significant feature of the light curve of UU Sge (in both colours) is the large amplitude of the reflection effect exhibited between minima, as well as the fact that the secondary minimum appears to be almost wholly due to an eclipse of reflected light. This, combined with the depths of the alternate minima observed in both colours, leads us to conclude that the effective temperature of the O-type component is probably not much higher than 30 000 K, while that of the secondary component is not less than 6000 K (corresponding to a subgiant of spectral class close to G0).     

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)     

Lichtwechsel und Extinktion des jungen Sterns RR Tauri

Photoelectric UBV observations of RR Tauri show three components of its brightness variations: permanent short-term fluctuations (range≦ 0.2 mag, duration 10¹ days), slow variations of the “maximum brightness” (range 1 mag, duration 10²…10³ days) and unperiodic minima (range≦ 2 mag, duration 20 days). The hypothesis that these minima are produced by clouds of circumstellar condensation products is suggested. From photometry and spectral-type determination of a number of surrounding stars we conclude, that in “maximum brightness” no circumstellar extinction can be detected, provided the spectral type is B9V.     

Limits on Dust Extinction in B3 QSOS

The broad range of optical–infrared colours of radio QSOs,1 < B-K < 6, has been cited as evidence for several mag of dust extinction (Webster et al.. If such large extinctions are typical, the implications for our understanding of the space density of optically selected QSOs are profound. We have previously found that the host galaxies of several of the reddest B3 QSOs are readily detectable in K-band images. This suggests contamination of the K apparent magnitudes by starlight, i.e. the redness in B-Kmay be due to excess light in K, rather than to dust extinction of the B light. We have now imaged the B3 QSOs inUBVR, and we use the range of observed optical and optical–IR colours to place an upper limit on the amount of dust extinction present, rest-frame A _V < 1.5 mag. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A photometric study of the minor planet 63 Ausonia

Photoelectric observations of the minor planet 63 Ausonia were obtained on 12 nights during the 1976 opposition at the Astronomical Observatory of Torino. A complete lightcurve with two maxima and two minima was observed with a maximum amplitude of 0.47 mag. The synodic period of rotation, never before determined photoelectrically, was found to be 9^h17^m48^s ± 5^s. The absolute magnitude of the primary maximum, V₀(1, 0) = 7.49 mag, and the phase coefficient, β_v = 0.035 mag/deg, were deduced by the magnitude-phase relation. Comparison with other observations is briefly discussed and a mean radius is determined from a previous value of the geometric albedo.     

The close binary system EG Cephei

New light curves and available times of minima of a β Lyr system EG Cep were analysed to deduce more information on the nature of the system. The main U‐shaped (O – C) variation was interpreted in terms of the mass transfer and mass loss in the system. The same variation was also considered as a part of a sinusoidal variation and thus interpreted in terms of a light‐time effect due to an unseen component in the system. New B and V light curves were analyzed with different fitting procedures, and there is general agreement that both stars must be very close to each other and to stability limits. A model that fits all the data well has a near main sequence primary and a secondary star that is overflowing matter towards it. This secondary is also reasonably close to main sequence conditions. The configuration thus appears to be a (relatively uncommon) ‘Case A’ type evolving Algol and raises interesting questions about such interactive evolution and potentially useful tests of theory. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A photometric study of the contact binary AZ Virginis

New light curves and photometric solutions of the contact binary AZ Vir are presented in this paper. The light curves appear to exhibit a typical O'Connell effect, with Maximum I being 0.021 mag (V) and 0.023 mag (B) brighter than Maximum II, respectively. From the observations, six times of minimum light were determined and from the present times of minimum light and those collected from the references, the light elements of the system were improved. The light curves were analyzed by means of the Wilson‐Devinney program. The results suggest that AZ Vir is a W‐subtype contact binary with a mass ratio of q = 0.623(2). The asymmetry of the light curves is explained by star spot models. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Mutual phenomena of Jupiter's satellites

Observations of an occultation of Europa by Io are fitted by a model light curve. The model has five free parameters, namely the radius of Europa, the impact parameter, the brightness ratio of the satellites, the time of midevent and the mean relative velocity. The model assumes a fixed value for the radius of Io and for the solar phase angle α, and that Europa has a uniform surface brightness. The OC residuals of the best fitting light curve are very small (～0.002 mag) and of a purely random nature; there is no evidence of albedo features. Taking α = 0 does not affect significantly the quality of the fit. Six mutual eclipses were also observed, and their times of minima agree well with the predictions of Aksnes Icarus21 (1974). For two events these predictions differ by about 20 min from those of Brinkmann and Millis Sky & Telescope45 (1973).     

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.     

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.     

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)