Cyclic Period Changes in the Algol WW Cygni

Abstract

AbstractYear to decade-long cyclic period changes have been observed in many classes of close binaries. The Algol binary WW Cygni shows a cyclic change in its orbital period with an amplitude of slightly more than 0.02 days and a period of 56 years. A hypothetical third or fourth body does not satisfactorily explain the observed variation in the orbital period. The change in luminosity and color of the system at primary eclipse minimum are in agreement with the model proposed by Applegate for a magnetic cycle induced period change in WW Cygni. We have commenced monitoring 9 close binaries for evidence of the luminosity and color changes consistent with the magnetic cycle hypothesis. δ Librae is suggested as a case suitable for observation with an optical interferometer to test the third body proposed for this Algol system.