On the true nature of the contact binary CRTS J192848.7‐404555

Abstract

AbstractCRTS J192848.7‐404555 was recognized as a potential contact binary merger candidate on the basis of survey photometry analysis. We have carried out follow‐up ground‐based photometry of the system and showed that at the recorded coordinates for the system, there are two stars approximately 3 s of arc apart. Our analysis shows that the fainter of the two stars is the actual variable while the slightly brighter star is of fixed brightness. In addition, we show that the reported survey photometry is the result of both stars being treated as a single light source with resultant erroneous light curve solution. The true nature of CRTS J192848.7‐404555 shows it to be a low mass contact binary system with a high mass ratio of 0.425, high amplitude of 0.69 magnitude, and shallow 24% contact. The system does not have features of orbital instability and is not a potential merger progenitor.