We present BVRI light curves of 165 Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) from the Lick Observatory Supernova Search follow-up photometry program from 1998 through 2008. Our light curves are typically well sampled (cadence of 3-4 days) with an average of 21 photometry epochs. We describe our monitoring campaign and the photometry reduction pipeline that we have developed. Comparing our data set to that of Hicken et al., with which we have 69 overlapping supernovae (SNe), we find that as an ensemble the photometry is consistent, with only small overall systematic differences, although individual SNe may differ by as much as 0.1 mag, and occasionally even more. Such disagreement in specific cases can have significant implications for combining future large data sets. We present an analysis of our light curves which includes template fits of light-curve shape parameters useful for calibrating SNe Ia as distance indicators. Assuming the B-V color of SNe Ia at 35 days past maximum light can be presented as the convolution of an intrinsic Gaussian component and a decaying exponential attributed to host-galaxy reddening, we derive an intrinsic scatter of {sigma}=0.076+/-0.019mag, consistent with the Lira-Phillips law. This is the first of two papers, the second of which will present a cosmological analysis of the data presented herein.
V1094 Tau is a bright eclipsing binary star with an orbital period close to 9 days containing two stars similar to the Sun. Our aim is to test models of Sun-like stars using precise and accurate mass and radius measurements for both stars in V1094 Tau. We present new spectroscopy of V1094 Tau which we use to estimate the effective temperatures of both stars and to refine their spectroscopic orbits. We also present new, high-quality photometry covering both eclipses of V1094 Tau in the Stroemgren uvby system and in the Johnson V-band. The masses, radii and effective temperatures of the stars in V1094 Tau are found to be M_A_=1.0965+/-0.0040M_{sun}_, R_A_=1.4109+/-0.0058R_{sun}_, T_eff,A_=5850+/-100K, and M_B_=1.0120+/-0.0028M_{sun}_, R_B_=1.1063+/-0.0066R_{sun}_, T_eff,B_=5700+/-100K. An analysis of the times of mid-eclipse and the radial velocity data reveals apsidal motion with a period of 14500+/-3700-years. The observed masses, radii and effective temperatures are consistent with stellar models for an age ~6Gyr if the stars are assumed to have a metallicity similar to the Sun. This estimate is in reasonable agreement with our estimate of the metallicity derived using Stroemgren photometry and treating the binary as a single star ([Fe/H]=-0.09+/-0.11). The rotation velocities of the stars suggest that V1094 Tau is close to the limit at which tidal interactions between the stars force them to rotate pseudo-syncronously with the orbital motion.
In this paper, we present the analysis of time-series observations from 2013 and 2014 of five metal rich ([Fe/H]>-1) globular clusters: NGC6388, NGC6441, NGC6528, NGC6638, and NGC6652. The data have been used to perform a census of the variable stars in the central parts of these clusters. The observations were made with the electron multiplying CCD (EMCCD) camera at the Danish 1.54m Telescope at La Silla, Chile, and they were analysed using difference image analysis (DIA) to obtain high-precision light curves of the variable stars. It was possible to identify and classify all of the previously known or suspected variable stars in the central regions of the five clusters. Furthermore, we were able to identify, and in most cases classify 48, 49, 7, 8, and 2 previously unknown variables in NGC 6388, NGC 6441, NGC 6528, NGC 6638, and NGC 6652, respectively. Especially interesting is the case of NGC 6441, for which the variable star population of about 150 stars has been thoroughly examined by previous studies, including a Hubble Space Telescope study. In this paper we are able to present 49 new variable stars for this cluster, of which one (possibly two) are RR Lyrae stars, two are W Virginis stars, and the rest are long period semi-regular or irregular variables on the red giant branch. We have also detected the first double mode RR Lyrae in the cluster.
Benefiting from the GAIA second and early third releases of photometric and astrometric data we examine the population of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars that appear in the fields of intermediate-age and young open star clusters. We identify 49 AGB star candidates, brighter than the tip of the red giant branch, with a good-to-high cluster membership probability. Among them we find 19 TP-AGB stars with known spectral type: 4 M stars, 3 MS/S stars and 12 C stars. By combining observations, stellar models, and radiative transfer calculations that include the effect of circumstellar dust, we characterize each star in terms of initial mass, luminosity, mass-loss rate, core mass, period and mode of pulsation. The information collected helps us shed light on the TP-AGB evolution at solar-like metallicity, placing constraints on the third dredge-up process, the initial masses of carbon stars, stellar winds, and the initial-final mass relation (IFMR). In particular, we find that two bright carbon stars, MSB 75 and BM IV 90, members of the clusters NGC 7789 and NGC 2660 (with similar ages of about 1.2-1.6 Gyr and initial masses between 2.1 and 1.9 solar masses), have unusually high core masses, about 0.67-0.7 solar masses. These results support the findings of a recent work (Marigo et al., 2020NatAs...4.1102M) that identified a kink in the IFMR, which interrupts its monotonic trend just at the same initial masses. Finally, we investigate two competing scenarios to explain the Mc data: the role of stellar winds in single-star evolution, and binary interactions through the blue-straggler channel.
We present the CCD photometry of two Algol-type binaries, AL Gem and BM Mon, observed from 2008 November to 2011 January. With the updated Wilson-Devinney program, photometric solutions were deduced from their EA-type light curves. The mass ratios and fill-out factors of the primaries are found to be q_ph_=0.090(+/-0.005) and f_1_=47.3%(+/-0.3%) for AL Gem, and q_ph_=0.275(+/-0.007) and f_1_=55.4%(+/-0.5%) for BM Mon, respectively. By analyzing the O-C curves, we discovered that the periods of AL Gem and BM Mon change in a quasi-sinusoidal mode, which may possibly result from the light-time effect via the presence of a third body. Periods, amplitudes, and eccentricities of light-time orbits are 77.83(+/-1.17)yr, 0.0204(+/-0.0007)d, and 0.28(+/-0.02) for AL Gem and 97.78(+/-2.67)yr, 0.0175(+/-0.0006)d, and 0.29(+/-0.02) for BM Mon, respectively. Assumed to be in a coplanar orbit with the binary, the masses of the third bodies would be 0.29M_{sun}_ for AL Gem and 0.26M_{sun}_ for BM Mon. This kind of additional companion can extract angular momentum from the close binary orbit, and such processes may play an important role in multiple star evolution.
New photometry of the neglected eclipsing binary FR Orionis was obtained in 2012 November and December. Using the updated Wilson-Devinney program, the photometric elements were deduced from two-color light curves. The results indicate that this system is a semi-detached binary, with a mass ratio of 0.325(+/-0.002) and a fill-out factor of the primary of f_p_=73.5(+/-0.2)%. The oscillating light curves imply that FR Ori may be an oscillating EA (oEA)-type star with a rapidly pulsating, mass-accreting primary component. After we removed the theoretical light curves from the observations, Fourier analysis revealed that the more massive component possibly shows a {delta} Scuti type pulsation with four detected frequencies. The dominant frequency is f_1_=38.6c/day (i.e., P_puls_=37.3minutes), and the pulsation constant is Q=0.014days. Based on all available eclipsing times, the orbital period is undergoing a secular period increase with a rate of dP/dt=+8.85(+/-0.66)x10^-8^day/yr, which may be interpreted by mass transfer from the secondary to the primary. We expect that the more massive component will fill its Roche lobe due to mass transfer of the secondary. Therefore, the oEA star FR Ori may evolve into a contact configuration.
Light curves of Algol-type binaries. VII. V404 And
Short Name:
J/AJ/147/66
Date:
21 Oct 2021
Publisher:
CDS
Description:
We present new CCD light curves of the short-period Algol-type eclipsing binary V404 And obtained in 2009-2011. The time-resolving multiple BVRI color light curves of the year 2011 with full phase coverage were analyzed simultaneously using the latest Wilson-Devinney program. We concluded that the configuration of two starspots on the primary is the most reliable explanation for the light curve distortions observed in 2011. Based on the new photometric solution, we further applied the spot model to explain the other light curves, including the previously published R-band light curves. We revealed that the starspots changed on a long timescale in terms of the spot parameters and the differences between Max.I and Max.II. Moreover, the O-C diagram spanning about 15yr shows an upward parabola, which indicates a secular increase in the orbital period of V404 And. The orbital period increases at a rate of dP/dt=5.3(0.3)x10^-7^days/yr, which might be interpreted by the angular momentum exchange via magnetic activity.
Near-Earth asteroid (25143) Itokawa was visited by the Hayabusa spacecraft in 2005, resulting in a highly detailed shape and surface topography model. This model has led to several predictions for the expected radiative torques on this asteroid, suggesting that its spin rate should be decelerating. To detect changes in rotation rate that may be due to YORP-induced radiative torques, which in turn may be used to investigate the interior structure of the asteroid. Through an observational survey spanning 2001 to 2013 we obtained rotational lightcurve data at various times over the last five close Earth-approaches of the asteroid. We applied a polyhedron-shape-modelling technique to assess the spin-state of the asteroid and its long term evolution. We also applied a detailed thermophysical analysis to the shape model determined from the Hayabusa spacecraft. We have successfully measured an acceleration in Itokawa's spin rate of dw/dt=(3.54+/-0.38)*10^-8^rad/day^2^, equivalent to a decrease of its rotation period of ~45ms/yr. From the thermophysical analysis we find that the center-of-mass for Itokawa must be shifted by ~21m along the long-axis of the asteroid to reconcile the observed YORP strength with theory. This can be explained if Itokawa is composed of two separate bodies with very different bulk densities of 1750+/-110kg/m^3^ and 2850+/-500kg/m^3^, and was formed from the merger of two separate bodies, either in the aftermath of a catastrophic disruption of a larger differentiated body, or from the collapse of a binary system. We therefore demonstrate that an observational measurement of radiative torques, when combined with a detailed shape model, can provide insight into the interior structure of an asteroid. Futhermore, this is the first measurement of density inhomogeneity within an asteroidal body, that reveals significant internal structure variation. A specialised spacecraft is normally required for this.
We present BVR photometric observations and several eclipsing times for AV Hya and DZ Cas from 2004 to 2011. Using the Wilson-Devinney method, the photometric solutions with hot spots were deduced from their asymmetric light curves. The results indicate that both stars are Algol-type binaries, whose mass ratio, q_ph_, and fill-out factor of the primary, f_1_, are q_ph_=0.255(+/-0.002) and f_1_=81.2(+/-0.2)% for AV Hya, and q_ph_=0.093(+/-0.003) and f_1_=98.7(+/-0.3)% for DZ Cas. Based on all available light minimum times, it is discovered that the O-C curve of each star could be described by a light-time orbit overlying on a downward parabola. Their periods and amplitudes are P_3_=37.2(+/-0.7)yr and A=0.0095'(+/-0.0006') for AV Hya, and P_3_=62.5(+/-1.0)yr and A=0.0183'(+/-0.0007') for DZ Cas. Cyclic variations may result from the light-time effect due to the third body. The secular period decrease rates are dP/dt=-1.47(+/-0.04)x10^-7^days/yr for AV Hya and dP/dt=-0.92(+/-0.04)x10^-7^days/yr for DZ Cas. This may be interpreted using mass and angular momentum loss from the system. With decreasing period, the fill-out factor of the primary increases and it may finally fill its inner Roche lobe. Therefore, AV Hya and DZ Cas with a secular period decrease will evolve from semi-detached configurations into contact ones.
We present time-resolved photometry of five relatively poorly-studied cataclysmic variables: V1193 Ori, LQ Peg, LD 317, V795 Her and MCT 2347-3144. The observations were made using four 1m-class telescopes for a total of more than 250h of observation and almost 16,000 data points. For LQ Peg WHT spectroscopic data have been analysed as well. The light curves show a whole range of variability on different time scales, from minutes to months. We detect for the first time a brightness variation of 0.05mag in amplitude in V1193 Ori on the same timescale as the orbital period, that we interpret as the result of the irradiation of the secondary. A 20-min Quasi-Periodic Oscillation is also detected. The mean brightness of the system has changed by 0.5mag on a three month interval, while the flickering was halved. In LQ Peg a 0.05mag modulation was revealed with a period of about 3h. The flickering was much smaller, of the order of 0.025mag. A possible Quasi-Periodic Oscillation could exist near 30min. For this object, the WHT spectra are single peaked and do not show any radial-velocity variations. The data of LD 317 show a decrease in the mean magnitude of the system. No periodic signal was detected but this is certainly attributable to the very large flickering observed: between 0.07 and 0.1mag. For V795 Her, the 2.8-hour modulation, thought to be a superhump arising from the precession of the disc, is present. We show this modulation not to be stable in terms of periodicity, amplitude and phase. Finally, for MCT 2347-3144, a clear modulation is seen in a first dataset obtained in October 2002. This modulation is absent in August 2003, when the system was brighter and showed much more flickering.
