Indirect Imaging of the Accretion Disk Rim in W Crucis

The eclipsing binary W Crucis belongs to the rare group of strongly interacting binaries, which are believed to be shortly after the first and rapid mass transfer between components, prior to the Algol phase. New 7-colour photometric measurements in the Geneva system are presented for this long period binary. Several consecutive cycles were covered, which revealed rather complex light curves with pronounced bumps and asymmetries in the eclipse shoulders, as well in out-of-eclipse brightness. We modelled light curves with a variant of Rutten’s 3D eclipse-mapping method, which makes it possible to indirectly image the accretion disk rim. A patchy structure has emerged, which explains the rather erratic and complex light curve and its cycle-to-cycle variations.     

The semi-detached binary system IU Per and its intrinsic oscillation

We present a long-term time-resolved photometry of the short-period eclipsing binary IU Per. It confirms the intrinsic δ Scuti-like pulsation of the system reported by Kim et al.. With the obtained data, an orbital period study and an eclipsing light curve synthesis based on the Wilson-Devinney method were carried out. The photometric so- lution reveals a semi-detached configuration with the less-massive component filling its own Roche-lobe. By subtracting the eclipsing light changes from the data, we obtained the pure pulsating light curve of the mass-accreting primary component. A Fourier anal- ysis reveals four pulsation modes with confidence larger than 99%. A mode identification based on the results of the photometric solution was made. It suggests that the star may be in radial pulsation with a fundamental period of about 0.0628 d. A brief discussion concerning the evolutionary status and the pulsation nature is finally given.     

Variability of η Carinae – III

Spectra (1951–78) of the central object in η Car, taken by A. D. Thackeray, reveal three previously unrecorded epochs of low excitation. Since 1948, at least, these states have occurred regularly in the 2020-d cycle proposed by Damineli et al. They last about 10 per cent of each cycle. Early slit spectra (1899–1919) suggest that at that time the object was always in a low state. JHKL photometry is reported for the period 1994–2000. This shows that the secular increase in brightness found in 1972–94 has continued and its rate has increased at the shorter wavelengths. Modulation of the infrared brightness in a period near 2020 d continues. There is a dip in the JHKL light curves near 1998.0, coincident with a dip in the X-ray light curve. Evidence is given that this dip in the infrared repeats in the 2020-d cycle. As suggested by Whitelock & Laney, the dip is best interpreted as an eclipse phenomenon in an interacting binary system; the object eclipsed being a bright region ('hotspot'), possibly on a circumstellar disc or produced by interacting stellar winds. The eclipse coincides in phase and duration with the state of low excitation. It is presumably caused by a plasma column and/or by one of the stars in the system.     

Ccd Photometry and Modeling of the Overcontact Binary Systems Nn Vir and Yy CrB

New ground-based BV RI CCD observations of the eclipsing binary systems NN Vir and YY CrB are analyzed and illustrated. New times of minima are given and new ephemerides are proposed. The light curves are analyzed with the Wilson-Devinney light curve synthesis code and new geometric and photometric elements are derived. These elements are used together with the available spectroscopic data to compute absolute elements. The evolutionary status of each system is studied by means of mass-radius diagrams. The systems NN Vir and YY CrB are found to be A-type and W-type W UMa systems, respectively.     

An analysis of active close binaries (CB) based on photometric measurements

This is the first in a series of papers devoted to the actual problematics in the determination of orbital and physical parameters of active CB on the basis of the interpretation of photometric observations. One solves the problem in two stages: by obtaining a synthetic light curve in the case when the parameters of the corresponding CB model are givena priori (direct problem) and by determining the parameters of the given model for which the best fit between the synthetic light curve and the observations is achieved (inverse problem (see Djura?evi?, 1991). In the first article of the series one presents the basis of the model developed for the synthesis of asymmetric, deformed, light curves of active CB with spots on their components. The modelling of the CB systems is based on the principles orginated in the Wilson and Devinney (1971; hereafter referred to as WD) model for the synthesis of a light curve generalised to include also the case of a nonsynchronous rotation of the components. The shapes of the components correspond to the equipotentials in the Roche model so that the critical Roche limits can be filled up to an arbitrary degree. In a spherical-coordinate system the surfaces of the components are divided into a large number of elementary cells whose intensity and angular radiation distribution are determined by the star temperature. limb darkening, gravitational darkening, and by the effect of reflection in the system. The active regions are approximated with circular spots. The presence of spots (dark or hot) enables to explain the asymmetry and depressions on the light curves of active CB. The model enables to be also interpreted the light curves of classic CB (without spots).     

UBV Photometric Study of the Eclipsing Binary DM Delphini

The near-contact system DM Del with an A2V primary and a G8 secondary was observed in U, B and V wavelengths in July 1998. A new seasonal light curve is presented and a new observed time of minimum is given. The unperturbed part of the light curve was used to determine some basic parameters of the system with the Wilson-Devinney code, some of which were kept fixed for spot modelling of the light curves. A simple spot distribution was determined, based on a model with two cool spots on the surface of the secondary. Absolute elements were calculated and the evolutionary status was determined. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

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.     

On the possibility of identifying the short hard burst GRB 051103 with a giant flare from a soft gamma repeater in the M81 group of galaxies

The light curve, energy characteristics, and localization of the short hard burst GRB 051103 are considered. Evidence for identifying this event with a giant flare from a soft gamma repeater in the nearby M81 group of interacting galaxies is discussed.     

The variation of the light curve of W Ursae Majoris

A new set of photoelectric B and V observations of W Ursae Majoris obtained during a period of one week in 1968 is presented.From the measurements it can be concluded that in general the light curve in both colors is free from complications. In particular, no systematic brightness differences between consecutive periods can be found.The observations made during total eclipse in two different periods yield flat minima fitting almost perfectly together, the mean error of the single measurement beeing of the order of 0.^m003. The duration of the phase of totality is estimated to 0.036P=17.3 m thus confirming the value given by Cester and Gridelli.From a plot of the square deviations of the single observations (I/I)² from the mean intensity curve vs phase it can be shown that the scattering decreases strongly during primary eclipse thus indicating that the source producing these fluctuations is essentially confined to the space between the two components. A comparison with earlier photoelectric observations also supports the assumption that the variational behavior of the light curve is caused by a gaseous cloud between the two components rather than by an envelope surrounding the whole system.Operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under contract with the National Science Foundation.     

A spot model for VW Cephei

An attempt is made to interpret the variations of the light curve of VW Cephei in terms of a spot model. A light curve which is (hopefully) free from starspot effects is constructed from Kwee's (1966a) observations, and is analysed by the light-curve synthesis method. Then, Kwee's individual light curves are further analysed by assuming that starspots exist on the surface of the primary component. Properties of starspots are briefly discussed.     

Spectroscopic and photometric detection of interacting processes and their evolution in the eclipsing binary TX UMa

Nearly one century of spectroscopic and photometric observations of eclipsing binary TX UMa offer a good opportunity for studying evolutionary processes in this system. Extensive spectroscopic observations carried out with the D.A.O. high-dispersion spectrographs in 1969–70 and at the Ondejov Observatory in 1972–80 cover all radial velocity curve with particular emphasis on phases within primary minimum of the light curve. The manifestations of interacting processes as well as the presence of the spectrum of secondary component are examined in the ever changing line spectra. Photometric observations having been collected at the Skalnaté Pleso Observatory since 1966 display orbital period changes. Evolution of period changes using this photometric material in connection with the published data is presented.     

The peculiar eclipsing star BD+13°3496 (V508 ophiuchi): New BV observations and light curve analysis

New BV photoelectric observations of the W UMa-type system V508 Ophiuchi, made in 1986 at the Kryonerion Astronomical Center of the National Observatory of Athens, Greece, are given. The corresponding mean light curves, as well as those obtained in 1981 at the same station using the same instruments, are analysed using frequency-domain techniques. The geometrical and photometric elements of the system have been found. These are combined with the now available spectroscopic data of the system to get its absolute elements. A general discussion for the light variations between the old and the new observations is made. From the light curve analysis it was found that V508 Oph is an A-type W UMa binary with both of its components to fill their corresponding Roche lobes.     

A photometric and spectroscopic study of the short-period eclipsing binary BV Eridani

UBV observations of the short-period eclipsing binary BV Eri are reported and analyzed. The radial velocity curve is given. The system shows a light curve distortion, making an analysis difficult. The secondary fills its critical Roche lobe. The system seems to be in an interesting evolutionary.     

Light curve analysis of contact binaries: Characteristic quantities of the light curve

Quantities characterizing light curves of contact binaries of W UMa-type are introduced. For 2700 cases, theoretical light curves of contact binaries are computed by the light curve synthesis method, and characteristic quantities for these light curves are tabulated. An example of application of the table to the light curve analysis of contact binaries is shown, and the errors inherent in the solution are also discussed.     

On Einstein clusters as galactic dark matter haloes

We consider global and gravitational lensing properties of the recently suggested Einstein clusters of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) as galactic dark matter haloes. Being tangential pressure dominated, Einstein clusters are strongly anisotropic systems which can describe any galactic rotation curve by specifying the anisotropy. Due to this property, Einstein clusters may be considered as dark matter candidates. We analyse the stability of the Einstein clusters against both radial and non-radial pulsations, and we show that the Einstein clusters are dynamically stable. With the use of the Buchdahl type inequalities for anisotropic bodies, we derive upper limits on the velocity of the particles defining the cluster. These limits are consistent with those obtained from stability considerations. The study of light deflection shows that the gravitational lensing effect is slightly smaller for the Einstein clusters as compared to the singular isothermal density sphere model for dark matter. Therefore, lensing observations may discriminate, at least, in principle, between Einstein cluster and the other dark matter models.     

A photometric study of the contact binary XY Boo

The contact binary XY Boo is observed photoelectrically, and variations of the orbital period and the light curves are indicated. NewBV light curves and those of Binnendijk (1971) and Winkler (1977) are analysed by used of the light curve synthesis method. Combining the derived photometric elements with the spectroscopic elements of McLean and Hilditch (1983), we obtain values of the masses and the radii of the components of the system.     

The close binary system SU Ind

Photometric data on the southern mid‐F type close eclipsing binary system SU Ind from the Carter Observatory (NZ) were examined, together with a light curve obtained from the Hipparcos Epoch Photometry (HEP) database. The system appears detached, although appreciably evolved from the Zero Age Main Sequence. The HEP period must be accurate for its own epoch, but it is significantly different from the reference (Hoffmeister 1956) value. This is difficult to explain, given the uncomplicated nature of the light curve. The apparent discrepancy can be reconciled with a period that has remained almost constant over the 40 year interval between the epochs by assuming some confusion between the almost equal depth minima. The near‐equality of components raises issues of determinacy in light curve analysis, which are reviewed against the presentation of relevant numerical curve‐fitting details. The system is of physical interest, in that it is close to the start of the ‘active’ range of spectral types. Its stars have relatively rapid rotation speeds and probably shallow convective subphotospheric layers. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

云南-香港宽视场巡天新发现的一个磁活动双星系统

云南-香港宽视场巡天新发现了一个磁活动双星系统,其轨道周期为0.60286 d.利用云南天文台1 m光学望远镜附加CCD (Charge-Coupled Device)相机,观测得到了这个双星系统的V、Rc双色光变曲线,结果表明该系统食外存在明显的测光畸变.借助云南天文台丽江2.4 m望远镜附加云南暗弱天体光谱成像仪(Yunnan Faint Object Spectrograph and Camera, YFOSC)对该双星系统的分光观测,测定了该双星系统主星的视向速度曲线并发现该系统的主星表面存在着强烈的色球活动,从而证明系统的光变曲线畸变源自主星的黑子活动.使用W-D (Wilson-Devinney)程序分析上述观测得到的光变曲线和视向速度曲线,得到了该双星系统的轨道参数以及黑子参数.最后,对该系统的特性进行了讨论并对未来的工作进行了展望.     

Stellar disruption by a supermassive black hole: is the light curve really proportional to t−5/3?

In this paper, we revisit the arguments for the basis of the time evolution of the flares expected to arise when a star is disrupted by a supermassive black hole. We present a simple analytic model relating the light curve to the internal density structure of the star. We thus show that the standard light curve proportional to   t ^−5/3  only holds at late times. Close to the peak luminosity the light curve is shallower, deviating more strongly from   t ^−5/3  for more centrally concentrated (e.g. solar type) stars. We test our model numerically by simulating the tidal disruption of several stellar models, described by simple polytropic spheres with index γ. The simulations agree with the analytical model given two considerations. First, the stars are somewhat inflated on reaching pericentre because of the effective reduction of gravity in the tidal field of the black hole. This is well described by a homologous expansion by a factor which becomes smaller as the polytropic index becomes larger. Secondly, for large polytropic indices wings appear in the tails of the energy distribution, indicating that some material is pushed further away from parabolic orbits by shocks in the tidal tails. In all our simulations, the   t ^−5/3  light curve is achieved only at late stages. In particular, we predict that for solar-type stars, this happens only after the luminosity has dropped by at least 2 mag from the peak. We discuss our results in the light of recent observations of flares in otherwise quiescent galaxies and note the dependence of these results on further parameters, such as the star/hole mass ratio and the stellar orbit.     

An Analysis of Gsc0008.324, Newly Discovered Binary Star

A separate solution of the R *light curves was carried out using the 1998version of the Wilson's synthetic light curve code. In this paper we considered observations of Robb et al. (1999) for analysis. The photometry showed that star exhibits variable and asymmetric light curve. The asymmetric in the light curve is fitted with a spot on the surface of the hotter component. The fundamental orbital and physical parameters of this system have determined. The mass ratio is defined to be always q ≤ 1. The results indicate that the system is a late-type detached binary so that the components seem to be a very close pair of dwarfs. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.