RT sculptoris: An important star for low-mass close binary research

TheUBV light curves of Duerbeck and Karimie (1979) for the southern eclipsing binary RT Sculptoris were analysed using information limit optimizing computer programs. We decide in favour of the transit primary minimum hypothesis. The system is found to be semi-detached, but in the rare primary contact configuration. This implies a fast mass transfer process. Our derived picture of the system broadly corroborates that of Hilditch and King (1986), but our analysis includes a detailed treatment of the hot spot. We also report on recent spectroscopic radial velocity data obtained at Mt. Stromlo, Canberra. The system provides an important case study for low mass close binary research.