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.     

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.     

Periodic Motion Along Solar Filaments

We present observations of four filaments that exhibit large-amplitude periodic mass motion. Observations are obtained using the high resolution (2″) and high cadence (1 min) Hα telescope system at the Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO). The motions found in these events are along the axis of the filaments, and are associated with the activity of a nearby flare or filament. The most characteristic properties of these motions are long period (≥ q80 min), large distance (≥ q 4 × 10⁴ km) of mass transport at much higher velocity (≥ q 30 km s⁻¹) than ever detected from filament motions. The velocity, period, dimension and damping timescale measured for these motions are presented, and discussed to identify the most plausible restoring force and damping mechanism.     

Photoelectric study of AW UMa

UBV photoelectric photometry of the eclipsing binary system AW UMa has been presented. A slightly improved period of 0 _. ^d 4387304 has been given. The colour of the system has been discussed. Eccentricity is present in the system. Light and colour curves show that intrinsic light variations may be present in the system. The presence of mass transfer is a possibility.     

Photometric modelling of close binary star CN And

The results of two color photometry of active close binary CN And are presented and analyzed. The light curves of the system are obviously asymmetric, with the primary maximum brighter than the secondary maximum, which is known as the O’Conell effect. The most plausible explanation of the asymmetry is expected to be due to spot activity of the primary component. For the determination of physical and geometrical parameters, the most new version of W-D code was used, but the presence of asymmetry prevented the convergence of the method when the whole light curves were used. The solutions were obtained by applying mode 3 of W-D code to the first half of the light curves, assuming synchronous rotation and zero eccentricity. Absolute parameters of the system were obtained from combining the photometric solution with spectroscopic data obtained from radial velocity curve analysis. The results indicate the poor thermal contact of the components and transit primary minimum. Finally the O-C diagram was analyzed. It was found that the orbital period of the system is changing with a rate ofd P/dt = − 2.2(6) × 10⁻¹⁰ which corresponds to mass transfer from more massive component to less massive with the rate ofd M/dt ∼4.82 × 10⁻⁸ M _sun/year.     

First light curve and period study of LO Andromedae

New BV light curves and times of minimum light for the short period W UMa system LO And were analyzed to derive the preliminary physical parameters of the system. The light curves were obtained at Ankara University Observatory during 5 nights in 2003. A new ephemeris is determined for the times of primary minimum. The analysis of the light curves is made using the Wilson‐Devinney 2003 code. The present solution reveals that LO And has a photometric mass ratio q = 0.371 and is an A‐type contact binary. The period of the system is still increasing, which can be attributed to light‐time effect and mass transfer between the components. With the assumption of coplanar orbit of the third body the revealed mass is M₃ = 0.21M_⊙. If the period change dP/dt = 0.0212 sec/yr is caused only by the mass transfer between components (from the lighter component to the heavier) the calculated mass transfer rate is dm/dt = 1.682×10⁻⁷M_⊙/yr. The absolute radii and masses estimated for the components, based on our photometric solution and the absolute parameters of the systems which have nearly same period are R₁ = 1.30R_⊙, R₂ = 0.85R_⊙, M₁ = 1.31M_⊙, M₂ = 0.49M_⊙ respectively for the primary and secondary components. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A gas-poor planetesimal capture model for the formation of giant planet satellite systems

Assuming that an unknown mechanism (e.g., gas turbulence) removes most of the subnebula gas disk in a timescale shorter than that for satellite formation, we develop a model for the formation of regular (and possibly at least some of the irregular) satellites around giant planets in a gas-poor environment. In this model, which follows along the lines of the work of Safronov et al. [1986. Satellites. Univ. of Arizona Press, Tucson, pp. 89-116], heliocentric planetesimals collide within the planet's Hill sphere and generate a circumplanetary disk of prograde and retrograde satellitesimals extending as far out as ∼RH/2. At first, the net angular momentum of this proto-satellite swarm is small, and collisions among satellitesimals leads to loss of mass from the outer disk, and delivers mass to the inner disk (where regular satellites form) in a timescale ?¹⁰⁵ years. This mass loss may be offset by continued collisional capture of sufficiently small <1 km interlopers resulting from the disruption of planetesimals in the feeding zone of the giant planet. As the planet's feeding zone is cleared in a timescale ?¹⁰⁵ years, enough angular momentum may be delivered to the proto-satellite swarm to account for the angular momentum of the regular satellites of Jupiter and Saturn. This feeding timescale is also roughly consistent with the independent constraint that the Galilean satellites formed in a timescale of ¹⁰⁵-¹⁰⁶ years, which may be long enough to accommodate Callisto's partially differentiated state [Anderson et al., 1998. Science 280, 1573; Anderson et al., 2001. Icarus 153, 157-161]. In turn, this formation timescale can be used to provide plausible constraints on the surface density of solids in the satellitesimal disk (excluding satellite embryos for satellitesimals of size ∼1 km), which yields a total disk mass smaller than the mass of the regular satellites, and means that the satellites must form in several ∼10 collisional cycles. However, much more work will need to be conducted concerning the collisional evolution both of the circumplanetary satellitesimals and of the heliocentric planetesimals following giant planet formation before one can assess the significance of this agreement. Furthermore, for enough mass to be delivered to form the regular satellites in the required timescale one may need to rely on (unproven) mechanisms to replenish the feeding zone of the giant planet. We compare this model to the solids-enhanced minimum mass (SEMM) model of Mosqueira and Estrada [2003a. Icarus 163, 198-231; 2003b. Icarus 163, 232-255], and discuss its main consequences for Cassini observations of the saturnian satellite system.     

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.     

Accretion disk evolution

Three aspects of mass transfer instability models of dwarf novae are examined. The hydrodynamic development of instabilities in the secondary are examined within Roche geometry and shown to extend at least a few degrees away from the line of centres. The form of the outburst light curves observed in SS Cygni are shown to be a natural consequence of mass transfer bursts with a duration either less than, or greater than, the disk viscous timescale. Finally the two-dimensional structure of the disc in the plane of the orbit is studied. As with -disks the viscous evolution time following a burst of mass transfer determines the size of viscosity within the disk. Significant deviations from axial symmetry are found to be present.Paper presented at the IAU Colloquium No. 93 on Cataclysmic Variables. Recent Multi-Frequency Observations and Theoretical Developments, held at Dr. Remeis-Sternwarte Bamberg, F.R.G., 16–19 June, 1986.     

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.     

A photometric study of BO Canum Venaticorum

Photometric BV light curves of BO CVn obtained in 1992 and new times of minima are presented. The primary minimum shows a transit, whereas the secondary minimum, shows an occultation. The system may be classified as an A‐type W UMa system. A complete study of minima allows one to detect a possibly increasing period by about 0.037 s/yr. This indicates that the conservative mass transfer rate from the less massive component to the more massive one is 1.57 10^—10M_⊙ /yr. Because of the variable period, the new ephemeris is determined for future observations. Using the Wilson‐Devinney code a simultaneous solution of the B and V light curves is also performed. The analysis shows that the system is in a contact configuration with q = 0.205 ± 0.001 and fillout factor (f) = 0.18, T₁ = 7240 K (fixed), T₂ = 7150± 10 K. The high orbital inclination i = 87°.54 ± 0.26 was con firmed by photometric observations of the secondary minimum.     

RV Piscium: a marginal contact binary system

The first complete charge-coupled device (CCD) light curves in B and V bands of the short-period binary system, RV Psc, are presented. It is found that the light curves of RV Psc are symmetric and belong to the EW type rather than the EA type as described in the 4th edition of the GCVS. Photometric solutions were derived by using the 2003 version of the Wilson–Devinney (W-D) method. It is shown that RV Psc is a marginal contact system (f=5.8%±6.6%) with a mass ratio of q=0.5978±0.0096. The temperature difference between both components is only 17 K. Analysis of the O-C curve suggests that the period of RV Psc shows a long-term continuous decrease at a rate of dP/dt=?5.89×10^?8 days/year. The long-time period decrease, the marginal-contact configuration, and the astrophysical parameters of the binary system, all suggest that it is a newly formed marginal contact binary from a case A mass transfer and will evolve into a normal overcontact binary.     

CK Bootis: a W UMa system with a small mass ratio

We present an analysis of BV R light curves of an eclipsing binary CK Bootis, a system with a very small mass ratio. The light curves appear to exhibit a typical O'Connell effect. The light curves are analyzed by means of the latest version of the WD program. The asymmetry of the light curves is explained by a cool star spot model. The simultaneous BV R synthetic light curve analysis gives a tiny mass ratio of 0.12, an extremely large fill‐out factor of 0.65, and a very small difference between the component temperatures of 90 K. The absolute parameters of the system were also derived by combining the photometric solutions with the radial velocity data. The mass of the secondary is very low (0.15 M_⊙) and it continues losing mass. Thirty seven new times of minimum are reported. It is found that the orbital period of the system has a quasi periodic variation, superimposed on a period increase. The long‐term period increase rate is deduced to be dP/dt = 3.54x10^–7 d yr^–1, which can be interpreted as being due to mass transfer from the less massive star to the more massive component. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Period variation and the new light curves of V471 Tauri

The light curve and period variation of the eclipsing system V471 Tau is discussed. The migration period of 191 days obtained recently by Ibanolu agrees well with the new observations. The period decreases by about one second per century, which may correspond to a mass transfer of 1×10^–7 solar mass. Furthermore, the O–C diagram shows a noticeable sine curve super-imposed on the parabolic variation. The period of the sine curve is about 3.1 years.     

On the variability timescales and magnetic field in OJ 287

The continuum spectrum of OJ 287, like most other BL Lac objects, is featureless- no emission or absorption lines are observed. However, OJ 287 shows variations at different timescales in flux and polarization at various wavelength bands. Using the available variability data one can estimate the sizes of the emission regions in the source from light travel time arguments. We assume the emission mechanism to be synchrotron radiation by high energy electrons with single power law energy distribution. Theoretical synchrotron spectrum in the frequency range 10¹¹–10¹⁷ H _z is compared with the observed spectral shape, obtained from new multifrequency quasi-simultaneous observations, to estimate the lower and upper cut off frequencies. These frequencies are used to obtain theoretical values of the variability timescales and magnetic field in the emission region. We obtain a value of 0.93 G for the magnetic field and 5.184×10⁴ sec for the cooling time from the quiescent continuum spectrum. The shock-in-jet model explains the spectrum where shocks accelerate the particles and amplify the magnetic field in the jet. This timescale is compared with the one obtained from observed short timescale variability (20 minutes) with proper beaming correction. The short timescale variations (200 minutes in the source frame), possibly caused by an additional, flaring, component of the source, are also used to calculate compressed magnetic field. The observed and theoretically estimated variability timescales and the shape of the spectrum suggest that there are more than one emission components in OJ 287.     

Period study of the binary star SW Cygni

The O−C curve of SW Cyg between 1880 and 1977 is presented and discussed. It is found that the orbital period undergoes a systematic change, becoming greater with time. In addition, a periodic oscillation of amplitude 0 _. ^d 015 with period of 43.8 years is superimposed on this general trend. It is concluded that the increase in the period is due to a transfer of mass from the secondary star to the primary and the periodic oscillation is due to the light time effect of the third body of mass functionf(m)=0.006M _⊙.     

Spectroscopic and photometric study of the contact binary BO CVn

We present the results of the study of the contact binary system BO CVn. We have obtained physical parameters of the components based on combined analysis of new, multi-color light curves and spectroscopic mass ratio. This is the first time the latter has been determined for this object. We derived the contact configuration for the system with a very high filling factor of about 88%. We were able to reproduce the observed light curve, namely the flat bottom of the secondary minimum, only if a third light has been added into the list of free parameters. The resulting third light contribution is significant, about 20–24%, while the absolute parameters of components are: M₁ = 1.16, M₂ = 0.39, R₁ = 1.62 and R₂ = 1.00 (in solar units).The O-C diagram shows an upward parabola which, under the conservative mass transfer assumption, would correspond to a mass transfer rate of dM/dt = 6.3 × 10^?8M_⊙/yr, matter being transferred from the less massive component to the more massive one. No cyclic, short-period variations have been found in the O-C diagram (but longer-term variations remain a possibility).     

Accreting white dwarfs as supersoft X‐ray sources

I review various phenomena associated with mass‐accreting white dwarfs (WDs) in the view of supersoft X‐ray sources. When the mass‐accretion rate is low (Ṁ_acc < a few × 10^–7 M⊙yr^–1), hydrogen nuclear burning is unstable and nova outbursts occur. A nova is a transient supersoft X‐ray source (SSS) in its later phase which timescale depends strongly on the WD mass. The X‐ray turn on/off time is a good indicator of the WD mass. At an intermediate mass‐accretion rate an accreting WD becomes a persistent SSS with steady hydrogen burning. For a higher mass‐accretion rate, the WD undergoes “accretion wind evolution” in which the WD accretes matter from the equatorial plane and loses mass by optically thick winds from the other directions. Two SSS, namely RX J0513‐6951 and V Sge, are corresponding objects to this accretion wind evolution. We can specify mass increasing WDs from light‐curve analysis based on the optically thick wind theory using multiwavelength observational data including optical, IR, and supersoft X‐rays. Mass estimates of individual objects give important information for the binary evolution scenario of type Ia supernovae (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A photometric study of the short-period eclipsing binary 1SWASP J204932.94-654025.8, showing strong third light

1SWASP J204932.94-654025.8 (hereafter J2049) is a newly discovered eclipsing binary system with an orbital period of 0.2299103 days. BVR_c light curves (LCs) are presented and analyzed by using the 2013 version of the Wilson–Devinney (W–D) program. Because the observed LCs are asymmetric, a hot star-spot was employed on the secondary component during our analysis. We found that J2049 is a W-subtype shallow contact eclipsing binary system with an orbit inclination of 62^∘.69 ± 0^∘.95 and a mass ratio of q =1.326 ± 0.056. More importantly, we found the presence of a strong third light, with an average luminosity contribution of 31.3% of the total light. Based on times of the light minima, the orbital period changes of J2049 are studied for the first time, and there is no evidence for any significant dp/dt now. Considering the presence of the third light and the short time span of the eclipse times, more observations are needed in the future.     

Photometric Analysis and Period Investigation of the EW Type Eclipsing Binary V441 Lac

Four color light curves of the EW type eclipsing binary V441 Lac were presented and analyzed by the W–D code. It is found that V441 Lac is an extremely low mass ratio (q = 0.093±0.001) semi-detached binary with the less massive secondary component filling the inner Roche lobe. Two dark spots on the primary component were introduced to explain the asymmetric light curves. By analyzing all times of light minimum, we determined that the orbital period of V441 Lac is continuously increasing at a rate of dP/dt = 5.874(±0.007) × 10^?7 d yr^?1. The semi-detached Algol type configuration of V441 Lac is possibly formed by a contact configuration destroyed shallow contact binary due to mass transfer from the less massive component to the more massive one predicted by the thermal relaxation oscillation theory.