Independent distance estimates are particularly useful to check the precision of other distance indicators, while accurate and precise masses are necessary to constrain evolution models. The goal is to measure the masses and distance of the detached eclipsing-binary TZ For with a precision level lower than 1% using a fully geometrical and empirical method. We obtained the first interferometric observations of TZ For with the VLTI/PIONIER combiner, which we combined with new and precise radial velocity measurements to derive its three-dimensional orbit, masses, and distance.
In the course of the search for B-type pulsators in the central region of h Persei, we discovered two {beta} Cephei stars, Oo692 and Oo992, and one SPB star, Oo893. The first two stars are monoperiodic pulsators with periods of 0.1716946 and 0.1326359 d respectively, and semi-amplitudes smaller than 0.01mag. The light curve of Oo893 can be described by a single 1.193633-day period, slightly non-sinusoidal in shape, and having semi-amplitudes from 19 mmag in I to 48 mmag in U. Oo893 is the first SPB star found in h and {chi} Persei. In addition, we discovered seven other variables, including three eclipsing binaries and one {lambda} Eri star. One of the binaries is a W UMa-type star and a likely cluster member. We also present new UBV photometry for 258 stars in the field. The average reddening, estimated from the cluster colour-colour diagram, amounts to E(B-V)=0.52mag. A 0.1mag dispersion of reddenings within the cluster is also seen.
UBV measurements of early-type stars, mostly eclipsing binaries, obtained at La Silla in the years 1990 to 1994 with the ESO 50cm telescope are presented. Most of these data were already used in our individual studies of several binaries. Now all photometric measurements were reduced again with an advanced technique and are made available electronically. Our data for MY Ser have not yet been published; new light curve is given and solved. The result is that MY Ser is a contact binary, with very large fill-out parameter. Also a light curve and its solution for V1051 Cen are provided, and the problem of the period of V871 Cen is pointed out. Besides binaries (and the comparison and check stars) data for several stars in southern H II regions are included. Extinction and transformation coefficients are given.
We present precision CCD light curves, a period study, photometrically derived standard magnitudes, and a five-color simultaneous Wilson code solution of the totally eclipsing, yet shallow amplitude (Av~0.4mag) eclipsing, binary V1853 Orionis. It is determined to be an extreme mass ratio, q=0.20, W-type W UMa overcontact binary. From our standard star observations, we find that the variable is a late-type F spectral-type dwarf, with a secondary component of about 0.24 solar masses (stellar type M5V). Its long eclipse duration (41 minutes) as compared to its period, 0.383-days, attests to the small relative size of the secondary. Furthermore, it has reached a Roche lobe fill-out of ~50% of its outer critical lobe as it approaches its final stages of binary star evolution, that of a fast spinning single star. Finally, a summary of about 25 extreme mass ratio solar-type binaries is given.
We present a phase-resolved spectroscopic study of the secondary star in the cataclysmic variable (CV) U Gem. We use our data to measure the radial velocity semi-amplitude, systemic velocity and rotational velocity of the secondary star. Combining this with literature data allows us to determine masses and radii for both the secondary star and white dwarf, which are independent of any assumptions about their structure. We use these to compare their properties to those of field stars and find that both components follow field mass-radius relationships. The secondary star has the mass, radius, luminosity and photometric temperature of an M2 star, but a spectroscopic temperature of M4. The latter may well be due to a high metallicity. There is a troubling inconsistency between the radius of the white dwarf inferred from its gravitational redshift and inclination and that inferred from its temperature, flux and astrometric distance.
We present a new catalogue of variable stars compiled from the data taken for the University of New South Wales Extrasolar Planet Search. From 2004 October to 2007 May, 25 target fields were each observed for one to four months, resulting in ~87000 high-precision light curves with 16004400 data points. We have extracted a total of 850 variable light curves, 659 of which do not have a counterpart in the General Catalogue of Variable Stars, the New Suspected Variables catalogue or the All Sky Automated Survey southern variable star catalogue. The catalogue is detailed here, and includes 142 Algol-type eclipsing binaries, 23 beta Lyrae-type eclipsing binaries, 218 contact eclipsing binaries, 53 RR Lyrae stars, 26 Cepheid stars, 13 rotationally variable active stars, 153 uncategorized pulsating stars with periods <10d, including delta Scuti stars, and 222 long period variables with variability on time-scales of >10d.
We present an updated catalog of 4680 northern eclipsing binaries (EBs) with Algol-type light-curve (LC) morphology (i.e., with well-defined beginnings and ends of primary and secondary eclipses), using data from the Catalina Sky Surveys. Our work includes revised period determinations, phenomenological parameters of the LCs, and system morphology classifications based on machine-learning techniques. While most of the new periods are in excellent agreement with those provided in the original Catalina catalogs, improved values are now available for ~10% of the stars. A total of 3456 EBs were classified as detached and 449 were classified as semi-detached, while 145 could not be classified unambiguously into either subtype. The majority of the SD systems seem to be comprised of short-period Algols. By applying color criteria, we searched for K- and M-type dwarfs in these data, and present a subsample of 609 EB candidates for further investigation. We report 119 EBs (2.5% of the total sample) that show maximum quadrature light variations over long timescales, with periods bracketing the range 4.5-18 years and a fractional luminosity variance range of 0.04-0.13. We discuss possible causes for this, making use of models of variable starspot activity in our interpretation of the results.
Accurate mass, radius, and abundance determinations from binaries provide important information on stellar evolution, fundamental to central fields in modern astrophysics and cosmology. Within the long-term Copenhagen Binary Project, we aim to obtain high-quality light curves and standard photometry for double-lined detached eclipsing binaries with late A, F, and G type main-sequence components, needed for the determination of accurate absolute dimensions and abundances, and for detailed comparisons with results from recent stellar evolutionary models. Between March 1985 and July 2007, we carried out photometric observations of AD Boo, HW CMa, SW CMa, V636 Cen, VZ Hya, and WZ Oph at the Stromgren Automatic Telescope at ESO, La Silla. We obtained complete uvby light curves, ephemerides, and standard uvby{beta} indices for all six systems.
We present new accurate CCD uvby light curves for the LMC eclipsing binaries HV 982 and HV 12578, and for the SMC systems HV 1433 and HV 11284 obtained at the Danish 1.5m telescope at ESO, La Silla, equipped with a direct camera and CCD #28 (a thinned 1024x1024 Tek device), during several periods between November 1992 and November 1995. The light curves were derived from DoPHOT photometry, and typical accuracies are between 0.007 and 0.012mag per point. Standard uvby indices have also been established for each binary, primarily for determination of interstellar reddening and absorption. For HV 982 and HV 12578, accurate photometric elements have been established. Both systems consist of two detached components of comparable sizes in an eccentric orbit.
The Kepler spacecraft is providing time series of photometric data with micromagnitude precision for hundreds of A-F type stars. We present a first general characterization of the pulsational behaviour of A-F type stars as observed in the Kepler light curves of a sample of 750 candidate A-F type stars, and observationally investigate the relation between {gamma} Doradus ({gamma} Dor), {delta} Scuti ({delta} Sct), and hybrid stars.
