A comprehensive photometric study of the Algol-type eclipsing binary: BG Pegasi

This study presents new photometric observations of classical Algol type binary BG Peg with a δ Scuti component. The light curve modeling was provided with the physical parameters of the component stars in the BG Peg system for the first time. After modeling light curves in B and V filters, the eclipse and proximity effects were removed from the light curve to analyze intrinsic variations caused by the hotter component of the system. Frequency analysis of the residuals light represents the multi-mode pulsation of the more massive component of the BG Peg system at periods of 0.039 and 0.047 days. Two frequencies could be associated with non-radial (l = 2) modes. The total amplitude of the pulsational variability in the V light curve was found to be about 0.045 mag. The long-term orbital period variation of the system was also investigated for the first time. The O–C analysis indicates periodic variation superimposed on a downward parabola. The secular period variation means that the orbital period of the system is decreasing at a rate of ?5.5 seconds per century, probably due to the magnetic activity of the cooler component. The tilted sinusoidal O–C variation may be caused by the gravitational effect of an unseen component around the system.     

The O-C curve analysis and simultaneous light curve solutions of classical Algol system U Cephei

New Photometric data in R and V passband filters of the classical Algol system U Cep were analyzed. The orbital and physical parameters of the system were obtained via light curve solutions, using Wilson-Devinney code. The absolute dimensions are also estimated. The O-C curve (only photometric data) is analyzed through Kalimeris method. Fourier analysis of P(E) function gave at least two modulation periods, i.e., P ₁=16.38 yr and P ₂=9.77 yr, the first was attributed to magnetic cycle effects and the second to mean time interval of occasional mass out bursts.     

Investigation of the parameters of the massive binary X-ray system IGR J17544-2619

The paper presents the results of spectroscopic research of the high-mass X-ray binary IGRJ17544-2619 optical component that were carried out with the RTT-150. The analysis of a long series of spectroscopic observations of the optical star of IGRJ17544-2619 system in 2007–2011 was carried out. Orbital parameters of the system were obtained: γ-velocity of 47 km/s, semiamplitude of radial velocity curve K = 30.5 km/s, eccentricity e = 0.44, longitude of the periastron ω = 142°, and an orbital period of the system of 12.17 days. The lower limit of the compact object mass was found to be equal to M = 2.82M _⊙.     

On the apsidal motion of BP Vulpeculae

BP Vulpeculae is a bright eclipsing binary system showing apsidal motion. It was found in an earlier study that it shows retrograde apsidal motion which contradicts theory. In this paper we present the first BV light curve of the system and its light curve solution as well as seven new times of the minima from the years 1959–1963. This way we could expanded the baseline of the investigation to five decades. Based on this longer baseline we concluded that the apsidal motion is prograde agreeing with the theoretical expectations and its period is about 365 years and the determined internal structure constant is close to the theoretically expected one.     

A photometric and spectroscopic study of WW And – an Algol-type,long period binary system with an accretion disc

We have analysed the available spectra of WW And and for the first time obtained a reasonably well defined radial velocity curve of the primary star. Combined with the available radial velocity curve of the secondary component, these data led to the first determination of the spectroscopic mass ratio of the system at q_spec = 0.16 ± 0.03. We also determined the radius of the accretion disc from analysis of the double-peaked H_α emission lines. Our new, high-precision, Johnson VRI and the previously-available Strömgren vby light curves were modelled with stellar and accretion disc models. A consistent model for WW And – a semidetached system harbouring an accretion disc which is optically thick in its inner region, but optically thin in the outer parts – agrees well with both spectroscopic and photometric data.     

The polarization curve and the absolute diameter of Vesta

A new photoelectric polarization curve for Vesta is presented. It is incompatible with Lyot's photographic curve which appears to be inaccurate. The new polarization curve indicates that the reflectivity of Vesta is higher than that of the Moon, and a pre;iminary value of 0.25 ± 0.07 for the reflectivity in the V is suggested. This implies an absolute diameter of about 510 km, a value consistent with the diameter of Vesta calculated from its mass, assuming an achondritic composition.     

HS 2333 + 3927: a new sdB binary with a large reflection effect

We report the discovery of a binary, HS 2233 + 3927, consisting of an sdB star with a faint companion. From its lightcurve the orbital period of 14,844 s, the mass ratio, the inclination, and other system parameters are derived. The companion does not contribute to the optical light of the system except through a strong reflection effect. The semi-amplitude of the radial velocity curve K ₁= 89.6 km/s^?1 and a mass function of f(m) = 0.013 M _⊙ are determined. A preliminary spectroscopic analysis of the blue spectra using NLTE model atmospheres results in T_eff= 36 500 K, log g= 5.70, and log(n _He/n _H) =?2.15. These parameters are typical for sdB stars, the companion is probably an M dwarf.     

Photometric and spectroscopic study of nova Cassiopeiae 1995 (V723 Cas)

We report an 11-year long series of U BV RI observations and the results of our monitoring of the classical slow nova V723 Cas. We analyze the spectra of this star taken using the 6-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences with a spectral resolution of 3.5–8.5 Å during the nebular stage and at the supersoft X-ray source phase (SSS). This systemhas a large orbital inclination and its orbital period is equal to 0.693265 days. The orbital period increases. We found low-amplitude light variations with the orbital period during the early stages of the outburst and even at the pre-maximum stage. The orbital light curve at the nebular stage is asymmetric and gradually increases its amplitude up to V=2 ^m in 2006. The asymmetry of the light curve of V723 Cas can be explained by the reflection effect, eclipse of the extended accretion disk, and high rate of mass transfer in the system. The light curve of V723 Cas has developed a plateau due to the SSS phase. In the spectrum of V723 Cas the transition to the SSS phase shows up in an order-of-magnitude increase of the flux of the [Fe X] λ 6374 Å emission, which forms in the expanding envelope. In addition, narrow emission lines λ 6466.4 Å (O V) and λ 6500.5 Å (Fe XVII) also emerged in the spectrum.     

Orbital variations and outbursts of the unusual variable star V1129 Centauri

The variable star V1129 Cen is classified in the GCVS as being of β Lyr type. Unusual for such stars, it exhibits outbursts roughly once a year, lasting for ∼ 40 days. For this reason, a relationship to the dwarf novae has been suspected. Here, for the first time a detailed analysis of the light curve of the system is presented. Based on observations with high time resolution obtained at the Observatório do Pico dos Dias and on the long term ASAS light curve the orbital variations of the system are studied. They are dominated by ellipsoidal variations and partial eclipses of a probably slightly evolved F2 star in a binary with an orbital period of 21^h 26^m. Comparison with the characteristics of dwarf novae show that the observational properties of V1129 Cen can be explained if it is just another dwarf novae, albeit with an unusually bright and early type mass donor which outshines the accretion disk and the mass gainer to a degree that many normal photometric and spectroscopic hallmarks of cataclysmic variables remain undetected.     

Analysis of a detached eclipsing binary at near the turnoff point of the open cluster NGC 6791 in Kepler field

We analyzed high-precision Kepler photometry and high–resolution UVES and GIRAFFE spectroscopy from ESO Science Archieve for a double–lined eclipsing binary star in the field of the high metallicity old open cluster NGC 6791. Earlier measurements of the masses and radii of the detached system were not accurate enough for photometric and spectroscopic data to demonstrate that there are significant differences between current stellar models. Here we improved on the result and add follow-up measurements of the system. Data from the Kepler archive makes it clear that the system has an inclination that is close to 90°. The combination of radial velocity and Kepler light curve of the system were analysed simultaneously, which allows us to determine a reliable mass for the primary and secondary star and radii for both stars, and to constrain the cluster age. The characteristics of the primary star at the cluster turnoff indicate an age of 8.5 ± 0.12 Gyr, consistent with earlier analysis of the color–magnitude diagram. The brighter star in the binary also produces a precision estimate of the distance modulus, independent of reddening estimates: (m-M)_V (mag)=13.899 ± 0.117. The secondary star is not expected to have evolved significantly, but its radius is more than 10% larger than predicted by models. The hallmark is useful for testing the idea that radius inflation can occur in short period binaries for stars with significant convective envelopes due to the inhibition of energy transport by magnetic fields.     

Secular light curve of Comet 28P/Neujmin 1 and of spacecraft target Comets 1P/Halley, 9P/Tempel 1, 19P/Borrelly, 21P/Giacobinni-Zinner, 26P/Grigg-Skjellerup, 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, and 81P/Wild 2

We present the secular light curves of eight comets listed in the title. Two plots per comet are needed to study these objects: a reduced magnitude (to Δ=1 AU = geocentric distance) vs time, and a reduced magnitude vs LogR (R=heliocentric distance). A total of over 16 new parameters, are measured from both plots, and give an unprecedented amount of information to characterize these objects: the onset of sublimation (RON), the offset of sublimation (ROFF), the time lag at perihelion (LAG), the absolute magnitude (m(1,1)), the maximum magnitude at perihelion (mMAX(1,LAG)), the nuclear magnitudes (VN), the amplitude of the secular light curve (ASEC), plus several others, and the photometric functions needed to describe the envelope. The most significant findings of this investigation are: (a) The envelope of the observations is the best representation of the secular light curve. (b) The H10 photometric system is unable to explain the curves and a new set of photometric rules and functions is used. (c) Only four comets exhibit power laws in their secular light curves, and only partially: 1P, 19P, 21P, and 81P. All others have to be described by more complex functions. Of the four, three exhibit a break of the power law, requiring two laws pre-perihelion and one post-perihelion. The reason for this behavior is not understood. (d) We predict the existence of a photometric anomaly in the secular light curve of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, evidenced by a region of diminished activity from −119 to −6 days before perihelion, that might be interpreted as a topographic effect or the turn off of an active region. (e) We define a photometric parameter (P-AGE) that attempts to measure the relative age of a comet through the activity exhibited in the secular light curve. 81P/Wild 2 (a comet that has recently entered the inner Solar System) is confirmed as a young object, while 28P/Neujmin 1 is confirmed as a very old comet. (f) Arranging the comets by P-AGE also classifies them by shape. A preliminary classification is achieved. (g) The old controversy of what is a nuclear magnitude is clearly resolved.     

XZ And a semidetached asynchronous binary system

In this work the light curves (LCs) solutions along with the radial velocity curve of the semidetached binary systemXZ And are presented using the PHOEBE program(ver 0.31a). Absolute parameters of the stellar components were then determined, enabling us to discuss structure and evolutionary status of the system. The analysis indicates that the primary is a non-synchronous (i.e., F1 = 3.50 ± 0.01) Main Sequence (MS) star and the secondary is a bit more evolved, and fills its Roche critical surface. In addition, times of minima data (“O ? C curve”) were analyzed. Apart from an almost parabolic variation in the general trend of O ? C data, which was attributed to a mass transfer from the secondary with the rate ?₂ = (9.52 ± 0.41) × 10^?10 M _⊙ yr^?1; two cyclic variations with mean periods of 34.8 ± 2.4 and 23.3 ± 3.0 yr, modulating the orbital period, were found, which were attributed to a third body orbiting around the system, and magnetic activity cycle effect, respectively.     

The first photometric study of W UMa eclipsing binary OQ Dra

The present study is an analysis of V-band CCD observations of new W UMa contact binary OQ Dra. To carry out the analysis, Primary and secondary minimum were obtained and new epoch was calculated. The computed period of system was 0.33967 day. Light curve analysis was performed using Binary Maker 3 and PHOEBE that uses the latest Wilson–Devinney code. We obtained photometric mass ratio of q_ptm = 0.55.O’Connell effect also was seen in the fitted model. Finally, the best model was achieved by introducing 2 spots on each component.     

A photometric investigation of the asteroid (89) Julia

New photometric data of the light curve of the minor planet (89) Julia were obtained on nine nights during the 1972 opposition using the 60cm telescope at OHP. A synodic period of 11^h23^m14^s ± 7^s and an amplitude of 0.25mag were derived from the measurements. The light curve is rather unsymmetric and no plausible explanation for this has been offered so far. The measurements have been carried out in instrumental V′; the data obtained in B′ and U′ supplement all conclusions from V′ data concerning the rotation of Julia.     

Analysis of stellar occultation data: Effects of photon noise and initial conditions

A new inversion technique for obtaining temperature, pressure, and number density profiles of a planetary atmosphere from an occultation light curve is described. This technique employs an improved boundary condition to begin the numerical inversion and permits the computation of errors in the profiles caused by photon noise in the light curve. We present our assumptions about the atmosphere, optics, and noise and develop the equations for temperature, pressure, and number density and their associated errors. By inverting in equal increments of altitude, Δh, rather than in equal increments of time, Δt, the inversion need not be halted at the first negative point on the light curve as required by previous methods. The importance of the boundary condition is stressed, and a new initial condition is given. Numerical results are presented for the special case of inversion of a noisy isothermal light curve. From these results, simple relations are developed which can be used to predict the noise quality of an occultation. It is found that fractional errors in temperature profiles are comparable to those of pressure and number density profiles. An example of the inversion method is shown. Finally, we discuss the validity of our assumptions. In an appendix we demonstrate that minimum fractional errors in scale height determined from the inversion are comparable to those from an isothermal fit to a noisy isothermal light curve.     

1SWASP J024148.62+372848.3: A spotted overcontact binary system under the short-period limit

With the 2013 version of W-D code, we derived the photometric solutions for the new discovered extremely short-period eclipsing binary 1SWASP J024148.62+372848.3 based on its complete RI_c light curves. The results show that the system is a W-type overcontact system with a filling-out factor of 23% and a mass ratio of q = 1.23, thus it is a new target which belongs to the rare group of overcontact binary with period under the short period limit (0.22 days). The obviously asymmetries found in its light curves could be explained well by the high spots coverage on the two components which have strong magnetic activities due to their late type nature. A third light contributing about 40% of the total light has been detected during the light curve analysis. This additional component may play an important role in the formation of 1SWASP J024148.62+372848.3, just like those in other overcontact binaries below the limit.     

Observations and interpretation of the close binary system CG Cyg

Photometric observations of the short-period (RS CVn-type) eclipsing binary system CG Cyg have been presented. Two sets of results, obtained from an analysis of theB, V andR light curves, represent ‘occultation’ and ‘transit’ solutions. The occultation solution is preferred as it gives a better fit to the colour curve. This hypothesis may also offer a more promising explanation of the observed peculiarities such as period changes and the light variation outside eclipses.     

H<Emphasis Type="Italic">α</Emphasis> Velocity Fields and Galaxy Interaction in the Quartet of Galaxies NGC 7769, 7770, 7771 and 7771A

The quartet of galaxies NGC 7769, 7770, 7771 and 7771A is a system of interacting galaxies. Close interaction between galaxies caused characteristic morphological features: tidal arms and bars, as well as an induced star formation. In this study, we performed the Fabry–Perot scanning interferometry of the system in H a line and studied the velocity fields of the galaxies. We found that the rotation curve of NGC 7769 is weakly distorted. The rotation curve of NGC 7771 is strongly distorted with the tidal arms caused by direct flyby of NGC 7769 and flyby of a smaller neighbor NGC 7770. The rotation curve of NGC 7770 is significantly skewed because of the interaction with the much massive NGC 7771. The rotation curves and morphological disturbances suggest that the NGC 7769 and NGC 7771 have passed the first pericenter stage, however, probably the second encounter has not happened yet. Profiles of surface brightness of NGC 7769 have a characteristic break, and profiles of color indices have a minimum at a radius of intensive star formation induced by the interaction with NGC 7771.     

The multi-band CCD photometric investigation of short-period eclipsing binary V1044 Her

We present new CCD photometric observations of V1044 Her obtained on May 22, 23 and 24, 2015. From our data, we derived five new light curve minimum times. Combining our new results with previously available CCD light minimum times, we derived an updated ephemeris and discovered that the period of this binary system exhibits an oscillation. The cyclic variation may be caused by the light-time effect via the presence of a third body or magnetic activity cycle. We calculated the corresponding period of the third body to be 14.1 ± 1.4 years or magnetic cycle to be 12.2 ± 0.7 years. We analyzed our new asymmetric light curves to obtain photometric solutions and starspot parameters using the Wilson and Devinney program. The final results show that V1044 Her is a contact binary system with a degree of contact factor f = 3.220( ± 0.002)%.     

A CCD photometric study of the late type contact binary EK Comae Berenices

We present CCD photometric observations of the W UMa type contact binary EK Comae Berenices using the 2 m telescope of IUCAA Girawali Observatory, India. The star was classified as a W UMa type binary of subtype-W by Samec et al. (1996). The new V band photometric observations of the star reveal that shape of the light curve has changed significantly from the one observed by Samec et al. (1996). A detailed analysis of the light curve obtained from the high-precision CCD photometric observations of the star indicates that EK Comae Berenices is not a W-type but an A-type totally eclipsing W UMa contact binary. The photometric mass ratio is determined to be 0.349 ± 0.005. A temperature difference of ΔT = 141 ± 10 K between the components and an orbital inclination of i[°] = 89.800 ± 0.075 were obtained for the binary system. Absolute values of masses, radii and luminosities are estimated by means of the standard mass-luminosity relation for zero age main-sequence stars. The star shows O’Connell effect, asymmetries in the light curve shape around the primary and secondary maximum. The observed O’Connell effect is explained by the presence of a hot spot on the primary component.