AV Hydrae: A Near-Contact Semi-Detached Binary with Possible Massand Angular Momentum Loss

The photoelectric observations of the neglected binary AV Hya published by Srivastava and Kandpal (1980) have been re-analyzed using Wilson-Devinney's synthetic light-curve program. The binary turns out to be a near-contact semi-detached system. The primary, more massive, more luminous and greater component, eclipsed at primary minimum, is detached from its Roche lobe (85%). The secondary fills its Roche lobe and has a temperature difference of T=,-3414 K. As with other semi-detached binaries, the secondary is more evolved than that of the primary. Thetimes of light minima of the eclipsing have been analyzed,showing that the orbital period of AV Hya undergoes acontinuous decrease with a rate of dP/dE=-8.26×10^-8 day/year. The mass transfer between the twocomponents can not explain the present orbital period variationsince the secondary component is filling the Roche lobe. Theorbital period change demonstrates that the system may undergoa secular mass and angular momentum loss and the system mayevolve from the present short-period near-contact system intoan A-type contact binary.     

BL Andromedae and GW Tauri: close binary stars in a key evolutionary stage

A photoelectric light curve of BL And is presented along with the first CCD light curve of GW Tau. Both objects are short-period eclipsing binaries and were observed in 2003 or 2004. Photometric elements were computed using the latest version of the Wilson–Van Hamme code. The results reveal that BL And is a semidetached system with the primary component filling its Roche lobe and the secondary one almost filling but still detached, while GW Tau is a marginal-contact binary system with a small degree of contact ( f = 10.9 per cent) and a large temperature difference of about 3100 K. All available eclipse times, including new ones, were analysed for each system. It was found that the orbital period of BL And is decreasing at the rate of  d P /d t =−2.36 × 10⁻⁸ (±0.09) d yr⁻¹  while that of GW Tau may be decreasing or oscillating. We think period decrease is more probable. The derived configuration and secular period decrease for BL And combined with the asymmetry of the light curve indicate that this system may evolve from the present semidetached phase into a contact stage, with mass transfer from the primary component to the secondary one through the L ₁ point, or that it might just undergo the broken stage predicted by the theory of thermal relaxation oscillations. In contrast, GW Tau is a marginal-contact binary in poor thermal contact and may be at the beginning of the contact phase.     

Light curve analysis of the new eclipsing binary LD355

The V light curve of eclipsing binary LD355 was analyzed by using the latest version of Wilson Program in order to derive photometric elements of this system. Since no spectroscopic mass ratio is available, the q‐search method was applied to yield the preliminary range of mass ratio in order to search for the final solution. The solution was performed by assuming detached (mode 2) and semi‐detached (mode 5) configurations, since no classification of the system based on the shape of light curve is possible. The solution in mode 5 leads to an acceptable model. The present solution reveals that LD355 has a photometric mass ratio q = 0.178 and is a semi‐detached binary with the secondary component filling the Roche lobe.     

UBV photometry, UV spectroscopy and radio observations of the peculiar binary V Sagittae

We have performed high-speed UBV photometric observations on the peculiar binary V Sagittae. Using three new eclipse timings we update the orbital ephemeris and convert it to a dynamical time-scale (TDB). We also searched for quasi-periodic oscillations but did not detect them. Using the Wilson–Devinney algorithm we have modelled the light curve to find the stellar parameters of V Sge. We find that the system is a detached binary but that the primary star is very close to filling its Roche lobe, while the secondary star fills 90 per cent of its Roche lobe volume. We find temperatures of the primary and the secondary star to be T ₁=41 000 K and T ₂=22 000 K. We find i =72° and masses of 0.8 M_⊙ and 3.3 M_⊙ for the primary and secondary stars respectively. De-archived Hubble Space Telescope ( HST ) spectroscopy of V Sge shows evidence of mass loss via a wind or winds. In addition we report radio observations of V Sge during an optical high state at 2 cm, 3.6 cm and 6 cm wavelengths. The 3.6 cm emission is increased by a factor of more than six compared with an earlier detection in a previous optical high state.     

The First Photometric Analyses Of Four New Discovered Ew-Type Eclipsing Binaries: GSC 1848-1264, GSC 0804-0118, GSC 0619-0232 And GSC 2936-0478

Photometric solutions of four new discovered W UMa-type binaries were carried out for the first time by using the 2003 version of the W-D program. It is discovered that all of the four systems are over-contact binaries. Two binaries, GSC 0804-0118 and GSC 2936-0478, are of A-subtype, while two other binaries, GSC 1848-1264 and GSC 0619-0232, are of W-subtype. From our solutions, the fundamental orbital and physical parameters were determined. For GSC 0619-0232 and GSC 2936-0478, the asymmetries of the light curves (i.e., the O'Connell effect) were explained by the presence of dark spots on the more massive components. Our photometric results reveal that GSC 0619-0232 is an important and interesting system. It is a W-type over-contact binary with a low mass ratio of q = 0.100 and a high over-contact degree of f = 93.4%, which suggests that GSC 0619-0232 may be evolved into a single rapid-rotating star.     

Photometric study of the active binary star V1430 Aquilae

New BVR light curves and a photometric analysis of the eclipsing binary star V1430 Aql are presented. The light curves were obtained at the Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Observatory in 2004. The light curves are generally those of detached eclipsing binaries, but there are large asymmetries between maxima. New BVR light curves were analysed with an ILOT procedure. Light curve asymmetries of the system were explained in terms of large dark starspots on the primary component. The primary star shows a long‐lived and quasi‐poloidal spot distribution with active longitudes in opposite hemispheres. Absolute parameters of the system were derived.We also discuss the evolution of the system: the components are likely to be pre‐main sequence stars, but a post‐main sequence stage cannot be ruled out. More observations are needed to decide this point. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Near-contact binaries among short-period Algols: the case of BF Velorum with a pulsating component

A photometric analysis of the short-period Algol eclipsing binary system BF Velorum based for the first time on complete BVRI CCD light curves is presented. The new photometric solution obtained with the Wilson-Devinney program reveals that BF Vel is a near-contact semi-detached system with its secondary component filling its Roche lobe. Moreover, we discovered pulsations of one member of the binary system, the analysis of which shows main frequencies of 44.9386 and 33.6731 cycles/day. Absolute elements of the system were calculated, and the evolutionary status of its members was estimated.      

Post-Common-Envelope Binaries with Distorted Secondaries

We will examine the properties of binary systems which have Roche lobe filling secondaries and white dwarf primaries as well as systems where the secondary is only partially filling its Roche lobe. We will also discuss observational properties such as ellipsoidal variations, light reprocessing and radial velocity measurements of the close binary systems BPM 71214, EC 13471-1258 and GD 245. The properties of BPM 71214 and EC 13471-1258 show that these systems may be pre-cataclysmic variables just prior to the onset of mass transfer or they may be hibernating novae. GD 245 is a pre-cataclysmic variable.     

Reanalysis of the light curve of ES lib

Using Wood's (1972) model we have reanalyzed Bartolini et al.'s (1973) photoelectric light curve – as yet only crudely studied – of the single-lined eclipsing binary ES Lib. Our photometric elements considerably differ from the previous ones. For a plausible value of the mass ratio (q = 0.4) the hotter (A2–3) component fills its Roche lobe, whereas the (K-type) secondary is detached. Nevertheless, in view of the large sum of the fractional radii of the two components, ES Lib can be related to the contact systems, for which broken-contact phases may occur.     

First multi-color photometric investigation of the shortest-period semi-detached binary SWASPJ222302.02+195031.8

SuperWASPJ222302.02+195031.8 is an eclipsing binary with an orbital period about 0.22517657 days that is close to the short-period limit of contact binaries. Multi-color photometric light curves of the short-period binary in B, V, R_c and I_c bands are presented and analyzed by using the Wilson–Devinney (W–D) method. It is discovered that the system is a semi-detached binary where the secondary component is already filling the critical Roche lobe, while the primary is filling just 77.1% of its Roche lobe. The temperature of the primary is about 4300 K, and the temperature difference between the two components is about 500 K. The asymmetries in the light curves are explained by the coverage of stellar dark spots on the less massive component via magnetic activity. An analysis of all available eclipse times suggests that there are no any changes in the O-C diagram. This may indicate that there are no mass transfers between the two components. The semi-detached configuration with the dark spot on the surface of the lobe-filling secondary and no variations in the orbital period make the binary an interesting target for further investigations.     

Revised photometric elements of BF Vir

TheB light curve of BF Vir published by Mallama and Witt (1976) has been re-analyzed using the Wilson and Devinney (1971) approach and the absolute dimensions have been computed. The system turns out to be a semi-detached system, with an A2V primary and an evolved G2 undermassive secondary which fills its Roche lobe; the primary, even if detached, is not far from contact.     

Light and period study of the ecipsing binary system TW Andromedae

Photoelectric light curve (LC) solutions of the close binary system TW And were obtained using the PHOEBE program (version 0.31a). Absolute parameters of the stellar components were then determined, enabling us to discuss the structure and evolutionary status of TW And. The configuration of the system based on the LCs solutions indicates that the secondary component is slightly detached from its critical Roche surface. In addition, times of minima data (“O –C curve”) were analyzed. Apart from an almost parabolic variation of the general trend of the O –C data, indicative of a secular increase in the orbital period with a rate 0.032 s yr^–1, which was attributed to a mass transfer with a rate of Δm₂ = –1.10 × 10^–10 M_⊙ yr^–1. Additionally, a sinusoidal variation with a period of 52.75 ± 1.80 yr, modulating the orbital period, was found, which we attribute to a third body orbiting the system. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Further confirmations of mass transfer in Algol type binary U Sagittae

This paper describes how a new photometric V light curve solution of Algol type binary U Sge was obtained using Wilson–Devinney code. I also discuss how the physical and orbital parameters, along with absolute dimensions of the system, were determined. The Roche lobe configurations of the system indicate that the secondary component has filled its Roche lobe and therefore is losing mass at the rate of 6.15×10⁻⁷ M _sun yr⁻¹. The conservative mass flow is the most likely process in this system.     

Light curves of SZ Piscium for 1977 and 1978

We present a relatively completeV-band light curve of SZ Psc for 1978 and a partial light curve for 1977. From the 1978 light curve we derive a new time of primary minimum, JD2443823.674±0.001, and a Russell-model solution,i=75°.8±0°.1,r _h =0.096±0.003,r _c =0.351±0.001, andL _h =0.253±0.002. The hotter component of this system is a F5-8 main-sequence star, the cooler component a K3-4 star well above the main sequence. The system is detached with the larger component filling only 82% of its Roche lobe. The distortion wave in this RS CVn-type binary seems not to migrate regularly as do those in many other such systems, but rather seems to change phase and amplitude more erratically. Between 1977 and 1978 its phase stayed practically constant while its amplitude decreased by a factor of three. We discuss the implications of this behavior for the spot model of RS CVn-type activity. We find that the traditional comparison star for SZ Psc, HD 219018, is very likely a constant star contrary to a recent suggestion that it is variable. Its brightness and colors,V=7.705, (B-V)=0.628, and (V-I) _c =0.688, are those of a G2V star.Visiting Astronomer, Kitt Peak National Observatory, which is operated by AURA, Inc., under contract with the National Science Foundation, and Visiting Astronomer, Prarie Observatory, University of Illinois.     

Photoelectric photometry of V541 cassiopeiae

We give the results of two-colour photoelectric photometry of V541 Cas made in 1982 Sept-Dec. Using the Wilson-Devinney method, we obtained a photometric solution which showed the system to be a detached binary, with a mass ratio 2.083, and the less massive component filling its Roche lobe more closely. Its light curve is very similar to those of AT and AZ Cam.     

A new photometric analysis of the eclipsing binary system ST Carinae

ST Carinae is an eclipsing binary with a period of 0 _. ^d 90165 which is believed to consist of an A0V primary and a secondary of type F5-8IV. About 900 observations inUBV, made by Somerville in 1963 but unreduced at that time, are presented. The Wood model is used to obtain orbital elements, and four different solutions of the light curves are presented. These are also computed with the solutions obtained by previous investigators of this system. The solutions indicate a reasonably consistent geometry, but there is still substantial uncertainty with regard to the mass-ratio and dynamical status of ST Car. The possibility exists that ST Car is in the initial and rapid stage of mass exchange in which the primary component fills its Roche lobe and is losing mass to its companion. The two components of ST Car appear to be of normal dimensions, but additional work is needed to clarify the exact status of this system.     

Modeling the Eclipsing Binary System VW Cygni

Five color UBVRI photometric and polarimetric measurements of the eclipsing binary VW Cyg are reported. It is shown that in the primary minimum the luminosity is attenuated (at short wavelengths) even after passage of the second contact. This fact is interpreted as evidence of gaseous structures in the system. The exchange of matter among the system components is also confirmed by the O-C curve constructed from data covering nearly a hundred years. Polarimetric analysis makes it possible to isolate the intrinsic (P=0.030±0.02) and interstellar components of the polarization. The UBVRI light curves of VW Cyg have been resolved. This was done using an algorithm for synthesizing theoretical light curves in the Roche model. Good agreement was obtained between the theoretical curves and observations in the V, R, and I bands, but the observed minimum depths in the U and B bands exceed the theoretical values. This appears to be caused by gas flows in the system.     

An Investigation of the Physical Mechanisms of Orbital Period Variations of the Semidetached Binary UW Vir

The orbital period variations of the Algol-type semidetached binary UW Vir are analyzed. It is shown that in addition to a long-term rapid increase (dP/dt = + 1.37 × 10⁻⁶ day/year), its orbit period has a variation with the period of 62.3 years. Based on the basic physical parameters given by Brancewicz and Dworak in 1980, the physical mechanisms causing the orbital period variations are investigated. The analysis indicates that the periodical variation of orbital period can be interpreted by the light-travel time effect due to the presence of a third body with the mass of M₃ ≥ 0.94 M. As no observational information has been reported for this tertiary component, it might be a compact object (e.g., a white dwarf). The long-term increase of orbital period can be explained in terms of the mass transfer from the secondary to the primary component (dM₂/dt = 1.43 × 10⁻⁷ M/year). This is in agreement with the semidetached configuration of the system with a lobe-filling secondary component. But according to the evolution theory of binaries, the Algol-type semidetached binary UW Vir should be at the evolutionary stage of slow mass transfer on the nuclear-reaction timescale of the secondary component. However, the analysis shows that the timescale for the periodical variation of orbital period is much shorter than the nuclear-reaction timescale of the secondary component, but close to the thermodynamic timescale of the secondary. This reveals that: (1) This binary system is at the evolutionary stage of rapid mass transfer on the thermodynamic timescale of the secondary component; or (2) The circumstellar matter of the system makes a contribution to the rapid increase of orbital period via the angular momentum transfer.     

V2213 Cyg is a New W Uma-Type System

V2213 Cyg was discovered as a variable star by Pavlenko (1999) in 1998. We present our photometry of V2213 Cyg from 1998–2003 based on CCD observations with the K-380 Cassegrain telescope of CrAO and the 60 cm Zeiss telescope of SAI. Observations have been carried out mostly in R and sometimes in B and V Johnson system. The total amount of data is 2270 points, covering ∼50 nights. We classify this binary as a W UMa-type contact system. Using all data we determined the orbital period to be 0.350079 ± 0.000007 day. The mean brightness varies between R = 14.35 and 14.05. The mean 1999–2003 orbital light curve has two humps and a primary minimum (I), which is 0.04 mag brighter than the deeper secondary one (II). The mean humps have slightly different height. The difference between two individual maxima varies within 0.1 mag, which may indicate an activity of the components. The highest hump is an asymmetrical one: it has sort of a shoulder at phases 0.75–0.80, before entering the less deep primary minimum (phase 0.0). The system is rather reddened, its colour indices are: B−V ∼ 0.8 and V−R ∼ 0.7, and give a spectral class of V2213 Cyg earlier than K.     

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.