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 ongoing 2008–09 outburst of CI Cyg

In this paper, we discuss the early phases of the ongoing outburst that CI Cyg, a prototype symbiotic star, is currently undergoing after 30-year quiescence. We have tightly monitored CI Cyg in   B V R _C I _C  bands, starting a whole year before the onset of the outburst, and in addition we obtained numerous Echelle high- and low-resolution absolutely flux-calibrated spectra. The outburst started while the accreting white dwarf (WD) was being eclipsed by the Roche lobe filling M giant companion, and it was discovered during the egress phase on the second half of 2008 August. The system reached peak V -band brightness in early 2008 October and has been characterized by amplitudes  Δ B = 1.9, Δ V = 1.5, Δ R _C= 0.9, Δ I _C= 0.4  mag. At maximum V -band brightness, the outbursting WD had expanded to closely resemble an F3 II/Ib star, with   M_V =−3.5, T _eff∼ 6900 K  and   R = 28 R_⊙  . The high-ionization emission lines ([Ne  v ], [Fe  vii ], He  ii ) disappeared and only lower ionization lines were visible. Balmer and He  i emission lines declined in equivalent width but increased in absolute flux. The output radiated by the hot component during the outburst corresponds to nuclear burning proceeding at a  2 × 10⁻⁸ M_⊙ yr⁻¹  rate.     

Multicolor Photometry of the SU Majoris Dwarf Nova V1504 Cygni

On the basis of multicolor observations of the dwarf nova V1504 Cyg, made from 1988 to 2001 at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory and at the Crimean Laboratory of the P. K. Shternberg State Astronomical Institute in bands of the standard BVR photometric system, the brightness characteristics and color indices were obtained for a superoutburst and normal outbursts of the star. At an outburst maximum V1504 Cyg is bluer than at a minimum, with the ascending branch of an outburst being characterized by redder color indices than the descending branch. A detailed analysis of the behavior of two outbursts is consistent with Smak's model A, in which an outburst is caused by temperature instability developing first in the outer parts of the accretion disk around the compact component of the binary system and propagating into the inner parts. The characteristics of the other outburst are consistent with Smak's model B, in which instability develops first in the inner parts of the disk. It is suggested that type A outbursts are typical of V1504 Cyg, while type B outbursts are rare.     

A study of the new X-ray transient RXTE J2123−058 during its post-outburst state

We carried out I , R , V and B photometric observations of the neutron star X-ray binary RXTE J2123−058 shortly after the end of the X-ray outburst in mid-1998. We adopt the low-mass binary model to interpret our observations. After folding our data on the 0.24 821‐d orbital period, and correcting for the steady brightness decline following the outburst, we observed sinusoidal oscillations with hints of ellipsoidal modulations which became progressively more evident. Our data also show that the decline in brightness was faster in the V band than in the R and I bands. This suggests both the cooling of an irradiation-heated secondary star and the fading of an accretion disc over the nights of our observations.     

Pre-and post-outburst parameters for the components of the symbiotic star V1329 Cyg

We present new UB V observations of the symbiotic nova V 1329 Cyg. Based on all our UB V observations of a uniform system, we redetermined the orbital period of the binary and estimated the magnitudes and luminosities of its components. We show that the pre-outburst visual luminosities of the red giant and the hot star were almost equal and that the rapid irregular photographic variability of the star was caused by the nonstationary behavior of the hot component. The outburst amplitude of the hot component (subdwarf) in 1964 was found to be ～2^m in the V band, which is typical of ordinary symbiotic stars. We estimated the continuum luminosity of the gaseous component that appeared after the outburst. In the V band, it was almost 1^m fainter than the flared hot star. Structurally, the gaseous component is an ionized gaseous disk comparable in size to an M giant.     

Photometric and spectroscopic evolution of the symbiotic nova V1016 Cygni after its outburst

We have constructed the light curves of the symbiotic nova V1016 Cyg for the period 1971–2007 in a homogeneous photometric system close to UBV using our observations with the Zeiss-600 SAI telescope. Based on the observational data obtained with the 125-cm SAI telescope in 2000–2007, we have performed absolute spectrophotometry of the star in the range λ3700–9300 Å. The derived line intensities are compared with the data of other authors in the preceding years (1965–1988). The behavior of nebular lines showed the variations in electron density and, probably, electron temperature in the [OIII] emission region caused by a variable stellar wind from the hot component. All the available observations of the star confirm the theoretical conclusion that the nova-like outburst of V1016 Cyg was produced by a thermonuclear flash in the accreted envelope of a white dwarf.     

High-Speed BVRI Photometry of SS Cyg at Quiescence and at Outburst

BVRI photometry of SS Cyg from the end of 1996 and the beginning of 1997 is presented. The star underwent an eruption around December 11. The amplitude of which was slightly bigger than those of observed earlier eruptions. We saw some indication of the future outburst in the decreasing of brightness in all colours by about 0.4 mag during the last two weeks before the event. The emission of the system moved strongly to the shorter wavelengths at outburst. Our multicolour data confirm the existence of a light variability with the orbital (spectroscopic) period at quiescence. Moreover we found for the first time that this variability exists also at outburst but its amplitude is 3–5 times smaller. Whereas the amplitudes of the orbital variability at quiescence decrease to the longer wavelengths, they increase at outburst to the longer wavelengths. The orbital folded curve at quiescence has two-wave shape and was fitted well by the different visibility of two diametrical opposite hot spots (210000 K) with angular size 10⁰ on the magnetic poles of the white dwarf. An analogy between the two basic states of the U Gem-star SS Cyg, the polar AM Her and Z Cam-star RX And was found.     

The photometric evolution of FU Orionis objects: disc instability and wind–envelope interaction

We present the results of a photometric monitoring campaign of three well-studied FU Orionis systems (FU Orionis, V1057 Cygni and V1515 Cygni) undertaken at Maidanak Observatory between 1981 and 2003. When combined with photometric data in the literature, this data base provides a valuable resource for searching for short time-scale variability – both periodic and aperiodic – as well as for studying the secular evolution of these systems. In the case of V1057 Cyg (which is the system exhibiting the largest changes in brightness since it went into outburst) we compare the photometric data with time-dependent models. We show that prior to the end of the 'plateau' stage in 1996, the evolution of V1057 Cyg in the V –( B − V ) colour–magnitude diagram is well represented by disc instability models in which the outburst is triggered by some agent – such as an orbiting planet – in the inner disc. Following the end of the plateau phase in 1996, the dimming and irregular variations are consistent with occultation of the source by a variable dust screen, which has previously been interpreted in terms of dust condensation events in the observed disc wind. Here we instead suggest that this effect results from the interaction between the wind and an infalling dusty envelope, the existence of this envelope having been previously invoked in order to explain the mid-infrared emission of FU Orionis systems. We discuss how this model may explain some of the photometric and spectroscopic characteristics of FU Orionis systems in general.     

Short-term brightness variations of V747 Cyg

We have conducted high-speed photometric observations of the suspected cataclysmic variable V747 Cyg. The literature data about the spectra of this star are conflicting. Zwitter and Munari [A&AS 107 (1994) 503] obtained spectroscopic observations which confirmed the cataclysmic variable nature of V747 Cyg, whereas Downes et al. [AJ 110 (1995) 1824] have concluded that this object may be a Be + M binary rather than a cataclysmic variable. Our observations revealed the complete absence of the rapid flickering in this star at a millimagnitude level. This phenomenon is to be inherent in all cataclysmic variables. Instead, the lightcurves of V747 Cyg showed probably periodic smooth low-amplitude variations that were visible during each observational night. When V747 Cyg was observed in two colours simultaneously, these variations had the equal phases and amplitudes. A periodogram analysis revealed probable periods of 5.77, 7.41 and 7.59 h. These periods and the amplitude as well as the oscillation behaviour in the different colours are typical of variable Be stars. Hence, V747 Cyg may be a variable Be star but not a cataclysmic variable.     

Spectral evolution of the classical symbiotic star V1413 Aql during a new activity cycle

We present the results of our spectroscopic observations for the classical symbiotic star V1413 Aql performed in 2008–2011. Various states of the hot component are considered: almost quiescence in 2008, very slow outburst onset in 2009, outburst maximum in 2010, and gradual brightness decline in the erupted hot component in 2011. We have established that, according to a spectroscopic criterion, in 2008 the system was in quiescence. We have shown that the parameters of the hot component during its outburst can be determined only by modeling the differences of the spectra taken at different eclipse phases. The active hot component of V1413 Aql at the outburst maximum is shown to have had the record late (for a symbiotic star) spectral type K2. At various stages of the new activity cycle, we have modeled the continuumenergy distribution based on a standard three-componentmodel, a model including a standard accretion disk and a red giant, and amodel including a supergiant (of various spectral types) and a red giant. The parameters of the system’s components have been determined.     

Speckle interferometry of nearby multiple stars. IV. Measurements in 2004 and new orbits

The results of speckle interferometric observations of 104 binary and 6 triple stars performed at the BTA 6 m telescope in 2004 October are presented. Nearby low-mass stars are mostly observed for the program, among which 59 there are new binaries recently discovered by the Hipparcos astrometric satellite. Concurrently with the diffraction-limited position measurements we obtained 154 brightness ratio measurements of binary and multiple star components in different bands of the visible spectrum. New, first-resolved binaries are the symbiotic star CH Cyg with a weak companion at 0.043″ separation and the pair of red dwarfs, GJ 913 = HIP 118212. In addition, we derived the orbital parameters for two interferometric systems: the CN-giant pair HD 210211 = HIP 109281 (P = 10.7 yr) and the G2V-K2V G2V-K2V binary GJ 9830 = HIP 116259 (P = 15.7 yr).     

Activity cycle of the giant star of Z Andromedae and its spin period

We have re-analysed the long-term optical light curve (LC) of the symbiotic star Z Andromedae, covering 112 yr of mostly visual observations. Two strictly periodic cycles and one quasi-periodic cycle can be identified in this LC. A   P 1 = 7550  d quasi-periodicity characterizes the repetition time of the outburst episodes of this symbiotic star. Six such events have been recorded so far. During quiescence states of the system, that is, in time-intervals between outbursts, the LC is clearly modulated by a stable coherent period of   P 2 = 759.1  d. This is the well-known orbital period of the Z Andromedae binary system that has been measured also spectroscopically. A third coherent period of   P 3 = 658.4  d is modulating the intense fluctuations in the optical brightness of the system during outbursts. We attribute the trigger of the outburst phenomenon and the clock that drives it, to a solar-type magnetic dynamo cycle that operates in the convection and the outer layers of the giant star of the system. We suggest that the intense surface activity of the giant star during maximum phases of its magnetic cycle is especially enhanced in one or two antipode regions, fixed in the atmosphere of the star and rotating with it. Such spots could be active regions around the North Pole and the South Pole of a general magnetic dipole field of the star. The P3 periodicity is half the beat of the binary orbital period of the system and the spin period of the giant. The latter is then either 482 or 1790 d. If only one pole is active on the surface of the giant, P3 is the beat period itself, and the spin period is 352 d. It could also be 5000 d if the giant is rotating in a retrograde direction. We briefly compare these findings in the LC of Z Andromedae to similar modulations that were identified in the LC of two other prototype symbiotics, BF Cyg and YY Her.     

Multiperiodic variations in the last 104-yr light curve of the symbiotic star BF Cyg

We analyse a light curve (LC) of the symbiotic star BF Cyg, covering 114 yr of its photometric history. The star had a major outburst around the year 1894. Since then the mean optical brightness of the system is in steady decline, reaching only in the last few years its pre-outburst value. Superposed on this general decline are some six less intense outbursts of 1–2 mag and duration of 2000–5000 d. We find a cycle of 6376 d, or possibly twice this period, in the occurrence of these outbursts. We suggest that the origin of the system outbursts is in some magnetic cycle in the outer layers of the giant star of the system, akin to the less intense 8000-d magnetic cycle of our Sun. We further find, that in addition to its well-known binary period of 757.3 d, BF Cyg possesses also another photometric period of 798.8 d. This could be the rotation period of the giant star of the system. If it is, the beat period of these two periodicities, 14 580 d, is the rotation period of a tidal wave on the surface of the giant. A fourth period of 4436 d, the beat period of the 14 580-d and the 6376-d cycles is possibly also present in the LC. We predict that BF Cyg will be at the peak of its next outburst around the month of May in the year 2007. The newly discovered 798.8-d period explains the disappearance of the orbital modulation at some epochs in the LC. The 757.3-d oscillations will be damped again around the year 2013.     

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)     

Nova Monocerotis 2002 (V838 Mon) at early outburst stages

We obtained U BV R photometric and spectroscopic observations during the outburst of V838 Mon. Before its outburst, the B brightness of the star had been stable ( $\tilde15.^m 85$ ) for 45 years. This was a blue star with the color index $(B - V)_0 = - 0\mathop .\limits^m 03 \pm 0\mathop .\limits^m 1$ and may have been a cataclysmic variable. In the middle of March 2002, the outburst amplitude reached $8\mathop .\limits^m 1$ in B. The star has the counterpart V 1006/7 in M 31 in luminosity at maximum and in spectrum. The unusual spectrum at the premaximum stage originated in the expanding photosphere of a cool K-type giant. The expansion velocity of the photosphere was 150 km s^?1; the maximum velocity in the expanding stellar envelope reached 500 km s^?1. The absorption components of neutral metal lines were enhanced by a factor of 3 or 4 compared to a normal K-type star. No overabundance of s-process elements was found. One day before the brightness peak, an intense Hα emission line with broad wings, FWZI=3100 km s^?1, and numerous lines of ionized metals appeared in V838 Mon, which is characteristic of normal classical novae. We show light, color, and spectral variations of the object.     

Near-infrared observations of the novae V2491 Cygni and V597 Puppis

We present results obtained from near-infrared JHK spectroscopic observations of novae V2491 Cygni and V597 Puppis in the early declining phases of their 2007 and 2008 outbursts, respectively. In both objects, the spectra displayed emission lines of H  i , O  i , He  i and N  i . In V597 Pup, the He  i lines were found to strengthen rapidly with time. Based on the observed spectral characteristics, both objects are classified as He/N novae. We have investigated the possibility of V2491 Cyg being a recurrent nova as has been suggested. By studying the temporal evolution of the linewidths in V2491 Cyg, it appears unlikely that the binary companion is a giant star with heavy wind as in recurrent novae of the RS Oph type. Significant deviations from that of recombination case B conditions are observed in the strengths of the H  i lines. This indicates that the H  i lines, in both novae, are optically thick during the span of our observations. The slope of the continuum spectra in both cases was found to have a  λ^−(3−3.5)  dependence which deviates from a Rayleigh–Jeans spectral distribution. Both novae were detected in the post-outburst supersoft X-ray phase; V2491 Cyg being very bright in X-rays has been the target of several observations. We discuss and correlate our infrared observations with the observed X-ray properties of these novae.     

The complete set of ASCA X-ray observations of non-magnetic cataclysmic variables

We present the complete set of 34 ASCA observations of non-magnetic cataclysmic variables. Timing analysis reveals large X-ray flux variations in dwarf novae in outburst (Z Cam, SS Cyg and SU UMa) and orbital modulation in high inclination systems (including OY Car, HT Cas, U Gem, T Leo). We also found episodes of unusually low accretion rate during quiescence (VW Hyi and SS Cyg). Spectral analysis reveals broad temperature distributions in individual systems, with emission weighted to lower temperatures in dwarf novae in outburst. Absorption in excess of interstellar values is required in dwarf novae in outburst, but not in quiescence. We also find evidence for subsolar abundances and X-ray reflection in the brightest systems.
LS Peg, V426 Oph and EI UMa have X-ray spectra that are distinct from the rest of the sample and all three exhibit candidate X-ray periodicities. We argue that they should be reclassified as intermediate polars.
In the case of V345 Pav we found that the X-ray source had been previously misidentified.     

Spectral atlas of dwarf novae in outburst

Up to now, only a very small number of dwarf novae have been studied during their outburst state (∼30 per cent in the Northern hemisphere). In this paper we present the first comprehensive atlas of outburst spectra of dwarf novae. We study possible correlations between the emission and absorption lines seen in the spectra and some fundamental parameters of the binaries. We find that out of the 48 spectra presented, 12 systems apart from IP Peg show strong He  ii in emission: SS Aur, HL CMa, TU Crt, EM Cyg, SS Cyg, EX Dra, U Gem, HX Peg, GK Per, KT Per, V893 Sco, IY UMa, and seven others less prominently: FO And, V542 Cyg, B  i Ori, TY Psc, VZ Pyx, ER UMa and SS UMi. We conclude that these systems are good targets for finding spiral structure in their accretion discs during outburst if the models of Smak and Ogilvie are correct. This is confirmed by the fact that hints of spiral asymmetries have already been found in the discs of SS Cyg, EX Dra and U Gem.     

Detection of non-radial pulsation and faint companion in the symbiotic star CH Cyg

We have detected asymmetry in the symbiotic star CH Cyg through the measurement of precision closure phase with the Integrated Optics Near-Infrared Camera (IONIC) beam combiner, at the infrared optical telescope array interferometer. The position of the asymmetry changes with time and is correlated with the phase of the 2.1-year period found in the radial velocity measurements for this star. We can model the time-dependent asymmetry either as the orbit of a low-mass companion around the M giant or as an asymmetric, 20 per cent change in brightness across the M giant. We do not detect a change in the size of the star during a 3-year monitoring period neither with respect to time nor with respect to wavelength. We find a spherical dust shell with an emission size of 2.2 ± 0.1 D _* full width at half-maximum around the M giant star. The star to dust flux ratio is estimated to be 11.63 ± 0.3. While the most likely explanation for the 20 per cent change in brightness is non-radial pulsation, we argue that a low-mass companion in close orbit could be the physical cause of the pulsation. The combined effect of pulsation and low-mass companion could explain the behaviour revealed by the radial velocity curves and the time-dependent asymmetry detected in the closure-phase data. If CH Cyg is a typical long secondary period variable then these variations could be explained by the effect of an orbiting low-mass companion on the primary star.     

Detection of superhumps in the VY Scl-type nova-like variable KR Aur

We report on the detection of negative superhumps in KR Aur, a typical VY Scl star. The observations were obtained with a multi-channel photometer over 107 h. The analysis of the data clearly revealed brightness variations with a period of 3.771 (±0.005) h. This is 3.5 per cent shorter than P _orb, suggesting that the observed oscillation is a negative superhump. Negative superhumps in VY Scl stars are widespread. The discovery of powerful soft X-rays from V751 Cyg suggests that VY Scl stars may contain white dwarfs, on to which nuclear burning of the accreted material occurs. If this suspicion is correct, it is possible that the powerful radiation emerging from the white dwarf may cause a tilt of the accretion disc to the orbital plane, and its retrograde precession may produce the negative superhumps seen in VY Scl stars.