Photometric investigation of the evolved contact binary system DN Aur

We present here the photometric light curve analyses of the eclipsing binary star DN Aur. The CCD photometry, performed at the Behlen observatory using the 0.76 m automated telescope gave 646 individual data points inV andR bandpass filters. From this data we have determined a new epoch and an orbital period of 0.6168891 days. The published spectral classification is F3.The Wilson-Devinney model was used to derive the photometric solutions. DN Aur is a W UMa type contact binary system. The mass ratio, (q=m ₂/m ₁0.210, where star 2 is eclipsed at the primary minimum) suggests that the system has A-type configuration. The computed light curve has a third light of about 22 percent and a total eclipse in the secondary minimum. A solution with a cool spot on the secondary component is also found. We recommend spectroscopic study of DN Aur even though the light curve analysis show it to be a single line spectroscopic system. Generally contact systems of spectral type F3 have periods ranging from 0.25 to 0.5 days. The longer period of DN Aur suggests that it is an evolved contact system with case A mass transfer.     

Photometric Investigation of the Eclipsing Binary Star KN Per

We used the Behlen observatory 0.76 m telescope and the CCD photometer to secure 689 observation of the eclipsing binary star KN Per. The observations were made on 8 nights during 1993 and 1994 with V and R bandpass filters. From 7 determinations of eclipse timings of minimum (V&R together), we have determined a new epoch and an orbital period of 0.8664604 days. The published spectral classification is A9. The 1993 version of the Wilson-Devinney model gave the photometric solutions. The adopted solution indicates that KN Per is a W UMa type contact binary. The mass ratio, q = (m₂/m₁, where star 1 eclipses at the primary minimum) = 0.23 suggests that KN Per is a W UMa system with A-type configuration. The secondary minimum shows a total eclipse. The asymmetry in the light curve is fitted with a cold spot on the secondary component of the system. The luminosity difference between the components is very large KN Per therefore, is most likely a single line spectroscopic binary. We recommend spectroscopic study of this system. Generally contact systems of spectral type A9 have periods ranging from 0.4 to 0.6 days. KN Per has considerably longer period and thus appears to be an evolved contact system with case B mass transfer. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Radial velocity measurements of the chromospherically-active stars (II)

From two sets of the spectroscopic observations covering a ten year period we have obtained 59 radial velocities of the chromospherically-active star HD 28591 = V492 Per. It is a G9III single-lined spectroscopic binary with a period of 21.2910 days and a circular orbit. Thev sini of 24.6 km s^–1, results in a minimum radius 10.3R . We estimate a distance of 165 ± 40 pc and an orbital inclination of 65 ± 25 degrees. The secondary is probably a mid to late-type K dwarf. The star is brighter than the limiting magnitude of theBright Star Catalogue. The mean photometric and the orbital periods are identical within their uncertainties. Since the star fills a significant fraction of its Roche lobe, about 62%, the photometric light curve may be the result of starspots and a modest ellipticity effect.Visiting astronomer, Kitt Peak National Observatory, NOAO, operated by AURA, Inc., under contract with the NSF     

Long–term Photometry of RT Lacertae: 2. Further Evidence fo a Circumstellar Envelope and MAss Accretion

The light curves, obtained by the authors of the present paper during the period 1978–1992, of the chromospherically active binary system RT Lac were examined. The average (B–V) colour indices were obtained and corrected for the interstellar extinction. Spectroscopic studies indicate that the less massive component may be taken as G8. The light curve analysis indicates that the less massive, larger component fills its corresponding Roche lobe. Both photometric and spectroscopic observations compel one to draw a conclusion that circumstellar matter does exist around the binary system. A colour excess caused by this matter is found to be 0.278 for B–V colour at mid–secondary eclipse. On the basis of photometric colour indices alone, the components of RT Lac are classified as G3–4 and G8. If we use the observed radial velocities of the less massive subgiant star from Ca II emission lines and from other optical lines we find for the mass of the more massive component as 1.34–1.70 M. This mass range corresponds to the main sequence late F stars. The common envelope hypothesis and mass function and also blending of the spectral lines of more massive component point out that it should be at most a late F type main sequence star.     

The CCD photometric study of the newly identified RS CVn binary star V1034 Hercules

This paper presents a new CCD Bessell VR_cI_c light curves and photometric analysis of the newly discovered RS CVn type eclipsing binary star V1034 Her. The light curves were obtained at the Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Observatory in 2006. Variations of the orbital period of the system were firstly studied. The (O − C) diagram with a low range of observing time of about 20 years shows an upward parabola, which indicates a secular increase in the orbital period of the system. The light curves are generally those of detached eclipsing binaries; however, there are large asymmetries between maxima. The VR_cI_c light curves were analysed with two different fitting procedures: Wilson–Devinney method supplemented with a Monte Carlo type algorithm and Information Limit Optimization Technique (ILOT). Our general results find V1034 Her. as a well detached system, in which the components are filling 65% of their Roche lobes. Light curve asymmetries of the system are explained in terms of large dark starspots on the primary component. The primary star shows a long-lived spot distribution with active longitudes in the same hemisphere.     

Photoelectric and spectroscopic observations of the binary star VV8=V471 Per over the period 1971–2007

We present our photoelectric observations of the binary star VV8=V471 Per over the period 1971–2007. A long-term photometric variability with a period of about 17 yr in the V and B bands has been confirmed. A systematic rise in brightness was recorded in the U band, suggesting that the gas ionization increases in the binary system. Our spectroscopic observations from 1995 to 2007 have shown that the emission line fluxes, on average, did not change compared to the data of other authors obtained in the previous decades. We have shown that the cool giant is a G5III star and is probably enriched with nucleosynthesis products from the evolved former primary component of the binary. We provide arguments for the hypothesis that the hot component in V471 Per is the massive nucleus of a young planetary nebula that rapidly evolved to a temperature of 65 000–75 000 K, while the surrounding nebula is very dense and optically thick and has not yet been entirely ionized.     

New activity cycle of the classical symbiotic star V1413 Aql

We present the results of our photometric UBV JHKLM observations in 2008?C2011 for the classical symbiotic star V1413 Aql. At the end of 2008, the hot component of V1413 Aql experienced the next strong outburst (??V > 2 _· ^m 5). According to the photometric criterion (B-V ?? 0 _· ^m 9 ± 0 _· ^m 2), the star was in an active state even in the period preceding the strong 2008 outburst. Two eclipsing minima of the same amplitude were observed for V1413 Aql in 2010 and 2011. Our analysis of the 2011 eclipse has allowed us to estimate the sizes of the components with respect to the orbital semimajor axis if the system is seen edge-on: the radius of the cool component is R _g/a = 0.28 and the radius of the hot component is R _h/a = 0.17. However, judging by the B-V color index, the eclipse may be noncentral.     

Photometric and spectrophotometric observations of the classical symbiotic star YY Her during its return to quiescence

We present new photometric UBVRI and spectroscopic observations of the symbiotic star YY Her during its return to quiescence after a strong outburst in 1993. High-resolution spectra of YY Her at similar phases at outburst maximum ?=0.48) and in quiescence ?=0.37) are presented for the first time. The ephemeris of YY Her has been refined P=586^d). The last two observed minima (in 1999 and 2000) differed radically in shape from the 1997 minimum described previously. Both were sharp and deep $(\Delta U \sim 1\mathop .\limits^m 6, \Delta V \sim 0\mathop .\limits^m 9)$ . To explain this shape of the V light curve, which is only slightly affected by nebular emission, it should be assumed that the cool component of YY Her fills much of its Roche lobe and has a hot spot on the hemisphere facing the hot component. The emission spectrum rich in Fe II lines, which is characteristic of symbiotic stars, was observed during the outburst, but high-ionization lines (He II λ4686) were also observed. The He I λλ5876, 7065 lines exhibit distinct P Cyg profiles; the centers of the absorption components are shifted from the emission ones by V _r≈100 km s^?1, suggesting moderate outflow velocities.     

Orbit and physical characteristics of the components of the massive Algol V622 Per,a member of the open star cluster χ Per

Analysis of the radial velocities based on spectra of high (near the H _α line) and moderate (4420–4960 Å) resolutions supplemented by the published radial velocities has revealed the binarity of a bright member of the young open star cluster χ Per, the star V622 Per. The derived orbital elements of the binary show that the lines of both components are seen in its spectrum, the orbital period is 5.2 days, and the binary is in the phase of active mass exchange. The photometric variability of the star is caused by the ellipsoidal shape of its components. Analysis of the spectroscopic and photometric variabilities has allowed the absolute parameters of the binary’s orbit and its components to be found. V622 Per is shown to be a classical Algol with moderate mass exchange in the binary. Mass transfer occurs from the less massive (\({M_1} = 9.1 \pm 2.7{M_ \odot }\)) but brighter (\(\log {L_1} = 4.52 \pm 0.10{L_ \odot }\)) component onto the more massive (\({M_2} = 13.0 \pm 3.5{M_ \odot }\)) and less bright (\(\log {L_2} = 3.96 \pm 0.10{L_ \odot }\)) component. Analysis of the spectra has confirmed an appreciable overabundance of CNO-cycle products in the atmosphere of the primary component. Comparison of the positions of the binary’s components on the T _eff–log g diagram with the age of the cluster χ Per points to a possible delay in the evolution of the primary component due to mass loss by no more than 1–2Myr.     

Evolution of the symbiotic star AS 338 after its strong outburst in 1983

The photometric UBV observations of AS 338 that we began after its outburst in 1983 are presented. They were accompanied by yearly spectroscopic observations and by occasional estimations of the star’s infrared JHKL magnitudes. In June 1993, the star’s optical spectrum was extended to the ultraviolet via IUE observations of AS 338. Collectively, the above observations make it possible to trace the evolution of stellar activity over a period of 15 years in various spectral ranges. In particular, a short-time return of the hot component of AS 338 to the state when He II lines reappeared in the star’s spectrum was noted in 1993. At this time, a blend of the C IV λλ5802 and 5812 lines, which is typical of Wolf-Rayet spectra, was detected in it. In June 1993, the temperature of the hot component was T _h ≈ 8.8 × 10⁴ K, and the ratio of its bolometric flux to that of the red giant was F _{h, bol}/F _{g, bol} ≈ 1.0. In August, its temperature increased to ～1.0×10⁵ K, while the bolometric flux dropped by a factor of ～1.5(F _{h, bol}/F _{g, bol} ≈ 0.7). In the B-V, U diagram, the points referring to this so-called quiescent state form a separate group shifted in B-V from all the remaining ones located in a horizontal strip with $\Delta U \approx 3\mathop .\limits^m 5$ and $\Delta (B - V) \approx 0\mathop .\limits^m 4$ . This allows us to diagnose the state of the hot component without spectroscopic observations of the star. In October 1993, the hot component flared up again. The main brightness rise took no more than 19 days. The outburst occurred shortly before eclipse egress of the hot component, whose duration was ～0.01P _orb. In December 1993, F _{h, bol}/F _{g, bol}≤1.5 at maximum light. During the recurrent, even stronger outburst in April 1995, F _{h, bol}/F _{g, bol}≤3.4. The Hαline during outbursts has a P Cyg profile and broad wings stretching to velocities of ±1500 km s^?1. The color temperature of the active hot component at short optical wavelengths and in the ultraviolet lies in the range of effective temperatures for hot supergiants. Nevertheless, it always produces an H II region in the circumstellar envelope that is larger in size than this binary system.     

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)     

Preliminary study of light variations of the eclipsing binary AB Cassiopeiae

Preliminary study of the eclipsing binary AB Cas is presented here by using the photometric observational data. The primary component is one of the Sct variables with period of 0^d.054, and whether the oscillation is of a radial mode or of a non-radial one is discussed. Two colour indices (B-V andU-B) data and the light curve analysis suggest that this binary system is a typical Algol type binary system, in which the primary component is near the ZAMS with about 2.3M and the secondary one is a subgiant star with about 0.5M .     

Photoelectric photometry of the eclipsing binary MM herculis: Preliminary results

The RS CVn-type eclipsing binary star MM Her has been observed in two colours,B andV, in 1979, 1980, and 1983. Several minima times were obtained during the observations and new light elements calculated. The light curves of the system obtained in blue and yellow lights show a significant wave-like distortion which migrates towards the decreasing orbital phases. Its migration period was estimated to be about 3.5 yr. The amplitudes of the wave-like distortion inB andV appear to change each year. The primary minimum of the system is a total eclipse with a duration of 0^d.08.     

On the nature of the unique eclipsing system H 187 (HMW 15)

We present our photometric observations of the T Tauri star H 187. They confirm our conclusion that a new extended eclipse has begun in this young object. By the end of 2005, H 187 reached its minimum light following which its brightness began to slowly increase. Comparison with the previous ～3.5-yr-long eclipse observed by Cohen et al. shows that the new eclipse follows the previous eclipse fairly closely and, hence, it was caused by a second passage of the same extended dust or gas-dust cloud around the object. We have estimated the period between these events to be 4.7 yr. The object reddened during the eclipse, suggesting that the extinction was produced by small grains ～0.1μm in size. Possible mechanisms of such unusual eclipses are discussed. We draw an analogy between these eclipses and the cycles of photometric activity observed in UX Ori stars. Light curves similar to those observed for H 187 are shown to be obtained in the model of a young binary system with a low-mass companion accreting matter from the remnants of a protostellar cloud at a rate of ～10^?9 M _⊙ yr^?1.     

The short-period eclipsing binary V1010 Ophiuchi does it have an eccentric orbit?

V1010 Oph is an unusually complicated close binary. Leung and Wilson (1977) found the system had an overcontact configuration. Subsequently, Margoniet al. (1981) claimed that the system had an eccentric orbit withe=0.25 based upon their spectroscopic study. We computed a theoretical radial velocity curve (accounting for tidal, reflection, and eclipse effects) based on the photometric parameters (e.g.,e=0) of Leung and Wilson. The computed curve fits the Asiago and Kitt Peak data very well. It is suggested that the asymmetry in the observed radial velocity arose from tidal, reflection, and eclipse effects rather than from orbital eccentricity. Other arguments against an eccentric orbit for V1010 Oph are also discussed. It is concluded that the eccentricity derived from the spectroscopic study may be spurious.On leave from Beijing University, China.     

Quiescent and Active States of V1413 Aql I: Photometric Activity Criterion and the Detection of a Secondary Minimum

We present the results of our photometric UBV JHKL observations for the symbiotic star V1413 Aql obtained in 2012–2018. An analysis of the data has shown that inMay 2017 the system passed to a quiescent state with B ? V ≈ 0_? 6 for the first time since 1993. It lasted no more than five months. The J ? K color at the primary minimum of 2012 reached 1_? 5, which, given the interstellar reddening, corresponds to spectral type M5-M6 III of the cool component. A secondary minimum has been detected at φ ≈ 0.5 on the JK phase light curves constructed for the dates of observations with B ≥ 13.     

The (O–C) diagram problem of triple pre-cataclysmic system V471 Tau solved

V471 Tau was discovered as a spectroscopic binary by Wilson (General Catalogue of Stellar Radial Velocities, p. 44, 1953). It is the prototype of a post-common envelope system and a progenitor of a cataclysmic binary. The system consists of a cool red dwarf, K2 V, very probably a main sequence star and a hot white dwarf. The object was classified as a close binary with an orbital period of around 0.5 days. Moreover, on the light curve are observed light variations with a period of 191 days, which are connected with an ellipsoidal shape of the red dwarf as well as with the migration of spots on the surface of this cool component. The eclipse of the white dwarf in the binary remains 49 minutes and declines to the minimum and the increase from the minimum takes only 55 s. Such photometric behaviour hinders obtaining good eclipses. In this paper we have obtained during four years seven eclipses with high time resolution with all four contacts to reach precise times of minima. Fortunately these times of the minima show a change of trend in the (O–C) diagram, and we were able to decide about the physical processes responsible for the behaviour of the (O–C) diagram. We showed that this behaviour is caused by a third body in the system with an orbital period of 33.2 years, and its physical and geometrical parameters are presented. For an inclination larger than 35° we get the mass of this body below the stable hydrogen-burning limit and thus most probably the candidate would be a brown dwarf.     

Is V899 Herculis an unsolved quadruple system containing double close binary stars?

Orbital period variation of the W UMa-type eclipsing binary, V899 Herculis, discovered by the Hipparcos satellite was investigated based on all available photoelectric and CCD times of light minimum. It is discovered that the orbital period of the binary shows a cyclic change with an amplitude of 0.0117 days. The cyclic period change can be explained as the light-travel time orbit of a tertiary component in the system, which is in agreement with the spectroscopic result obtained by Lu et al. [Lu, W., Rucinski, S.M., Ogloza, W., 2001. AJ 122, 402] who found that the system, of which V899 Herculis is a fainter component (B), is a triple, even quadruple and with the photometric result obtained by Özdemir et al. [Özdemir, S., Demircan, O., Erdem, A., Cicek, C., Bulut, I., Soydugan, E., Soydugan, F., 2002. A&A 387, 240] who reported a large amount of third light (L₃ ∼ 0.68) of the system. The third body (A) rotates around the eclipsing pair in a period of 3.7 years. Lu et al. [Lu, W., Rucinski, S.M., Ogloza, W., 2001. AJ 122, 402] reported that the tertiary component is F5-type main-sequence star. However, the present analysis shows that the mass of the third component is no less than 2.8 M_⊙, which is larger than the mass of an F5-type main-sequence star suggesting that the tertiary component may be a non-eclipsing close binary. Therefore, the system may be a possible unsolved quadruple system containing double close binary stars. It is a good astrophysical laboratory to study the formation and evolution of binary and multiple system. The timescale for the formation of the G-type overcontact binary (V899 Herculis) via AML should be shorter than the main-sequence time of an F5-type star.     

Absolute dimensions of TT Hydrae

The photometric elements of the Algol type binary TT Hydrae derived by the authors from theirUBV observations during 1973–77 have been combined with the spectroscopic elements given by Sanford (1937) and Sahade and Cesco (1946) to obtain the absolute dimensions of the system. It is found that the spectroscopic orbital elements given by Sanford represent the evolutionary status of the secondary component better than those of Sahade and Cesco. The primary appears to be an Al v main sequence star of mass and radius ∼2.3R _⊙. The secondary fills its Roche lobe; it can be represented by a K0iii star of mass and radius ∼6.0R _⊙. Better spectroscopic data are needed for confirmation of these results.