Analysis Of Light Curves Research Articles

Apsidal motion and TESS light curves of three southern close eccentric eclipsing binaries: GM Nor, V397 Pup, and PT Vel

The study of apsidal motion in eccentric eclipsing binaries provides an important observational test of theoretical models of stellar structure and evolution. New ground-based and space-based photometric data have been obtained and archival spectroscopic measurements were used in this study of three detached early-type and southern-hemisphere eccentric eclipsing binaries GM Nor (P = 1d​​.88, e = 0.05), V397 Pup (3d​​.00, 0.30), and PT Vel (1d​​.80, 0.12). Their TESS observations in several sectors have also been included and the corresponding light curves were solved using the PHOEBE code. As a result, new accurate photoelectric times of minimum light have been obtained. The newly completed O − C diagrams were analyzed using all reliable timings found in the literature and calculated using the TESS light curves. New or improved values for the elements of apsidal motion were obtained. Using ESO archive spectroscopy, for V397 Pup, the precise absolute parameters were newly derived: M1 = 3.076(35) M⊙, M2 = 2.306(35) M⊙, and R1 = 2.711(55) R⊙, R2 = 1.680(55) R⊙. For PT Vel the absolute dimensions were improved: M1 = 2.204(25) M⊙, M2 = 1.638(25) M⊙, and R1 = 2.108(30) R⊙, R2 = 1.605(30) R⊙. For GM Nor, the less accurate absolute parameters based on the light curve analysis were evaluated: M1 = 1.94(15) M⊙, M2 = 1.84(14) M⊙, and R1 = 2.27(20) R⊙, R2 = 2.25(20) R⊙. We found more precise and relatively short periods of apsidal motion of about 80, 335, and 160 years, along with the corresponding internal structure constants, log k2, –2.524, –2.361, and –2.563, for GM Nor, V397 Pup, and PT Vel, respectively. Relativistic effects are small but not negligible, making up to 10% of the total apsidal motion rate in all systems. No marks of the presence of the third body were revealed in the light curves, on the O − C diagrams, or in the reduced spectra of the eccentric systems studied here.

Variable Stars in M31 Stellar Clusters from the Panchromatic Hubble Andromeda Treasury

Variable stars in stellar clusters can offer key constraints on stellar evolution and pulsation models, utilizing estimates of host cluster properties to constrain stellar physical parameters. We present a catalog of 86 luminous (F814W < 19) variable stars in M31 clusters identified by mining the archival Panchromatic Hubble Andromeda Treasury (PHAT) survey using a combination of statistical analysis of sparse PHAT light curves and difference imaging. We determine the evolutionary phases and initial masses of these variable stars by matching them with theoretical isochrones generated using host cluster properties from the literature. We calculate the probability of PHAT photometry being blended due to the highly crowded nature of cluster environments for each cluster-variable star, using these probabilities to inform our level of confidence in the derived properties of each star. Our 86 cluster-variable stars have initial masses between 0.8 and 67 M ⊙. Their evolutionary phases span the main sequence, more evolved hydrogen- and helium-burning phases, and the post–asymptotic giant branch. We identify numerous candidate variable star types: RV Tauri variables, red supergiants, and slowly pulsating B-type supergiants, along with Wolf–Rayet stars, α Cygni and Mira variables, a classical Cepheid, and a possible superasymptotic giant. We characterize 12 cluster-variable stars at higher confidence based on their difference image quality and lower blending probability. Ours is the first systematic study of variable stars in extragalactic stellar clusters leveraging the superior resolution of the Hubble Space Telescope and demonstrating the unique power of stellar clusters in constraining the fundamental properties of variable stars.

Evidence for magnetic boundary layer accretion in RU Lup

Context. It is well established that classical T Tauri stars accrete material from a circumstellar disk through magnetic fields. However, the physics regulating the processes in the inner (0.1 AU) disk is still not well understood. Aims. Our aim is to characterize the accretion process of the classical T Tauri Star RU Lup. Methods. Optical high-resolution spectroscopic observations with CHIRON and ESPRESSO were obtained simultaneously with photometric data from AAVSO and TESS. Results. We detected a periodic modulation in the narrow component of the He I 5876 line with a period that is compatible with the stellar rotation period, indicating the presence of a compact region on the stellar surface that we identified as the footprint of the accretion shock. We show that this region is responsible for the veiling spectrum, which is made up of a continuum component plus narrow line emission that fills in the photospheric lines. An analysis of the high-cadence TESS light curve reveals quasi-periodic oscillations on timescales shorter than the stellar rotation period, suggesting that the accretion disk in RU Lup extends inward of the corotation radius, with a truncation radius at ~2 R*. This is compatible with predictions from three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic models of accretion through a magnetic boundary layer (MBL). In this scenario, the photometric variability of RU Lup is produced by a nonsta-tionary hot spot on the stellar surface that rotates with the Keplerian period at the truncation radius. We also qualitatively discuss how more complex hot spot shapes may generate the same variability pattern. The analysis of the broad components of selected emission lines reveals the existence of a non-axisymmetric, temperature-stratified flow around the star, in which the gas leaves the accretion disk at the truncation radius and accretes onto the star channeled by the magnetic field lines. The unusually rich metallic emission line spectrum of RU Lup might be characteristic of the MBL regime of accretion. Conclusions. Our extensive multiwavelength database of RU Lup reveals many similarities to predictions from the scenario of accretion through a magnetic boundary layer. Alternative explanations would require the existence of a hot spot with a complex shape, perhaps made of two brighter knots, or a warped structure in the inner disk.

HX Velorum: Ellipsoidal/Rotational Binary With β Cep Type Component

ABSTRACTWe present the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) light curve analysis of HX Velorum, located in the Southern Hemisphere, where one of the components is found for the first time to be a Cep (BCEP) type pulsator. The TESS observations of HX Velorum were published in a total of 6 sectors. Fourier analysis of the observations reveals that the frequencies can be divided into two categories, one of which is related to the orbital period and the other related to the Cep‐type pulsation. Its non‐eclipsing light curve was analyzed with the well‐known Wilson–Devinney code, and we obtained the geometric and physical parameters of the components using published radial velocity and light curve data by making some assumptions. We obtained plausible masses and radii of the primary and secondary components as , and , , respectively. The obtained system's distance of pc is smaller than the Gaia distances found in the literature.

TIC 441725813: A new bright hybrid hot B subdwarf pulsator with differential core versus envelope rotation

Context. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) performs high-precision photometry over almost the whole sky primarily in search of exoplanet transits. It also provides exquisite data to study stellar variability, in particular for pulsating hot B subdwarf (sdB) stars. Aims. We present a detailed analysis of a new hybrid (p- and g-mode) sdB pulsator, TIC 441725813 (TYC 4427-1021-1), discovered and monitored by TESS for 670 days. Methods. The TESS light curves available for this star were analysed using prewhitening techniques to extract mode frequencies accurately. The pulsation spectrum was then interpreted through methods that include asymptotic period spacing relationships and the identification of rotational multiplets. We also exploited a high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), low-resolution spectrum of TIC 441725813 using grids of non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) model atmospheres to derive its atmospheric parameters. Results. The light curve analysis reveals that frequencies are mostly found in the g-mode region, but several p-modes are also detected, indicating that TIC 441725813 is a hybrid sdB pulsator. We identify 25 frequencies that can be associated with ℓ = 1 g-modes, 15 frequencies corresponding to ℓ = 2 g-modes, and six frequencies characteristic of p-modes. Interestingly, several frequency multiplets interpreted as rotational splittings of deep-probing g-modes indicate a slow rotation period of at least 85.3 ± 3.6 day, while splittings of mostly envelope-probing p-modes suggest a significantly shorter rotation period of 17.9 ± 0.7 day, which implies the core (mainly the helium mantle with possibly the deeper partially mixed helium-burning core that it surrounds) rotates at least 4.7 times slower than the envelope. The radial velocity curves indicate that TIC 441725813 is in a close binary system with a low-luminosity companion, possibly a white dwarf. While elusive in the available TESS photometry, a low-frequency signal that would correspond to a period of ∼6.7 h is found, albeit at a low S/N. Furthermore, we estimate the inclination angle to be ∼60° by two independent means. Conclusions. TIC 441725813 is a particularly interesting sdB star whose envelope rotates faster than the core. We hypothesise that this might be caused by the effects of a tidal interaction with a companion, although in the present case, the presence of such a companion will have to be further investigated. This analysis paves the way towards a more detailed seismic probing of TIC 441725813 using optimisation techniques, which will be presented in a second paper.

BSN: First photometric light curve analysis of two W-type contactbinary systems OP Boo and V0511 Cam

BSN: First photometric light curve analysis of two W-type contactbinary systems OP Boo and V0511 Cam

BSN: The First Light Curve Analysis of the Total Eclipse Binary System EL Tuc

We conducted the first light curve study of the binary star EL Tuc within the Binary Systems of South and North project’s framework. The photometric observations were made using standard multiband BVR c I c filters at an observatory in Argentina. We presented a new ephemeris for EL Tuc and a linear fit to the O – C diagram, utilizing our extracted times of minima and additional literature. We employed the PHysics Of Eclipsing BinariEs Python code and the Markov chain Monte Carlo approach for the system’s light curve analysis. The target system’s light curve solution required a cold starspot on the hotter component. We conclude that EL Tuc is a total contact binary system with a low mass ratio of q = 0.172 ± 0.002, an orbital inclination of i = 83.°74 ± 0.°40, and a fillout factor of f = 53.7% ± 1.6%. We used the P–a relationship and the Gaia Data Release 3 parallax method to determine the absolute parameters of EL Tuc to compare the precision of our results. This system was classified as W-type based on the mass and effective temperature of the companion stars. The positions of the systems were depicted on the M–L, M–R, T–M, and q–L ratio diagrams. The relationship between the spectroscopic and photometric mass ratios of binaries was discussed.

Application of Convolutional Neural Networks to time domain astrophysics. 2D image analysis of OGLE light curves

In recent years the amount of publicly available astronomical data has increased exponentially, with a remarkable example being large-scale multiepoch photometric surveys. This wealth of data poses challenges to the classical methodologies commonly employed in the study of variable objects. As a response, deep learning techniques are increasingly being explored to effectively classify, analyze, and interpret these large datasets. In this paper we use two-dimensional histograms to represent Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) phasefolded light curves as images. We use a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to classify variable objects within eight different categories (from now on labels): Classical Cepheid (CEP), RR Lyrae (RR), Long Period Variable (LPV), Miras (M), Ellipsoidal Binary (ELL), Delta Scuti (DST), Eclipsing Binary (E), and spurious class with Incorrect Periods (Rndm). We set up different training sets to train the same CNN architecture in order to characterize the impact of the training. The training sets were built from the same source of labels but different filters and balancing techniques were applied. Namely: Undersampling (U), Data Augmentation (DA), and Batch Balancing (BB). The best performance was achieved with the BB approach and a training sample size of sim 370000 stars. Regarding computational performance, the image representation production rate is of sim 76 images per core per second, and the time to predict is sim 60$\ s $ per star. The accuracy of the classification improves from sim 92&lt;!PCT!&gt;, when based only on the CNN, to sim 98&lt;!PCT!&gt; when the results of the CNN are combined with the period and amplitude features in a two step approach. This methodology achieves comparable results with previous studies but with two main advantages: the identification of miscalculated periods and the improvement in computational time cost.

Light-curve analysis and shape models of NEAs 7335, 7822, 154244, and 159402

ABSTRACT In an attempt to further characterize the near-Earth asteroid (NEA) population, we present 38 new light curves acquired between 2020 September and 2023 November for NEAs (7335) 1989 JA, (7822) 1991 CS, (154244) 2002 KL6, and (159402) 1999 AP10, obtained from observations taken at the Teide Observatory (Tenerife, Spain). With these new observations along with archival data, we computed their first shape models and spin solutions by applying the light-curve inversion method. The obtained rotation periods are in good agreement with those reported in previous works, with improved uncertainties. Additionally, besides the constant period models for (7335) 1989 JA, (7822) 1991 CS, and (159402) 1999 AP10, our results for (154244) 2002 KL6 suggest that it could be affected by a Yarkovsky–O’Keefe–Radzievskii–Paddack acceleration with a value of $\upsilon \simeq -7\times 10^{-9}$ rad d$^{-2}$. This would be one of the first detections of this effect slowing down an asteroid.

A False Positive Transit Candidate for EPIC 211101996 from K2 and TESS Data Identified as Background Eclipsing Binary Gaia DR3 66767847894609792

Transiting planets around young stars are hard to find due to the enhanced stellar activity. Only a few transiting planets have been detected around stars younger than 100 Myr. We initially detected a transit-like signal in the K2 light curve of a very cool M dwarf star (EPIC 211101996) in the Pleiades open cluster, with an estimated age of about 100 Myr. Our detailed analysis of the per-pixel light curves, detrending with the Wōtan software and transit search with the Transit Least Squares algorithm showed that the source of the signal is a contaminant source (Gaia DR3 66767847894609792) 20″ west of the target. The V-like shape of its phase-folded light curve and eclipse depth of ∼15% suggest that it is a grazing eclipsing binary. The contaminant has hitherto been listed as a single star, which we now identify as an eclipsing stellar binary with a period of about 6 days.

Combined light curve and radial velocity analysis of the neglected contact binary S Ant

We present the first combined photometric and spectroscopic solution of the bright southern contact binary S Ant based on the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) light curve and the radial velocities from the David Dunlap Observatory survey. S Ant is a W UMa type binary in deep contact, with a mass ratio of 0.34 and a relatively massive and hot F-type primary. Beside the standard modeling of the phase-binned light curve, we also perform “seasonal modeling” where we treat each of the 83 orbital cycles present in the TESS data as a separate light curve. The resulting ensemble of solutions shows evidence of quasi-periodic migration of a long-lived, dark, polar spot. The migration is confirmed independently by eclipse time variations which display remarkably strong correlation with the spot location.

HST SHEL: Enabling Comparative Exoplanetology with HST/STIS

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has been our most prolific tool to study exoplanet atmospheres. As the age of JWST begins, there are a wealth of HST archival data that are useful to strengthen our inferences from JWST. Notably, HST/Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS), with its 0.3–1 μm wavelength coverage, extends past JWST’s 0.6 μm wavelength cutoff and holds an abundance of potential information: alkali (Na, K) and molecular (TiO, VO) species opacities, aerosol information, and the presence of stellar contamination. However, time-series observations with HST suffer from significant instrumental systematics and can be highly dependent on choices made during the transit fitting process. This makes comparing transmission spectra of planets with different data reduction methodologies challenging, as it is difficult to discern whether an observed trend is caused by differences in data reduction or underlying physical processes. Here we present the Sculpting Hubble’s Exoplanet Legacy (SHEL) program, which aims to build a consistent data reduction and light-curve analysis methodology and associated database of transmission spectra from archival HST observations. In this paper, we present the SHEL analysis framework for HST/STIS and its low-resolution spectroscopy modes, G430L and G750L. We apply our methodology to four notable hot Jupiters, WASP-39 b, WASP-121 b, WASP-69 b, and WASP-17 b, and use these examples to discuss nuances behind analysis with HST/STIS. Our results for WASP-39 b, WASP-121 b, and WASP-17 b are consistent with past publications, but our analysis of WASP-69 b differs and shows evidence of either a strong scattering slope or stellar contamination. The data reduction pipeline and tutorials are available on Github and Zenodo.

Determination of the spacecraft’s spin axis orientation. Photometric patterns method

Near-Earth space is becoming increasingly congested; the number of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), where there is already the greatest spatial density of objects (including man-made debris), is increasing rapidly. Knowing the status of non-cooperative space objects is one of the requirements of space situational awareness (SSA). Assessing the dynamic properties of large inactive satellites and rocket bodies, such as their rotation period and the spatial location of the rotation axis, is necessary to predict their orientation. This information is critical to both the success of active debris removal (ADR) missions and improved orbital propagation of objects in LEO. Monitoring the state of RSO is carried out by various means, including using ground-based optical sensors by collecting photometric data, processing it and analyzing light curves. This paper presents a new method for estimating the orientation of the RSO rotation axis in space. This method relies on structural analysis of RSO light curves and the search for similar fragments, called ”photometric patterns,” in observations obtained from one or several sites simultaneously or over a short period of time. The method does not require knowledge of the RSO shape and does not impose strict requirements on the quality of photometric observations.

OO Leo: An Active Contact Binary with Possible Solar-like Differential Rotation

With Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) high-precision photometry and Large Sky Area Multi-object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope medium-resolution spectra, we present the first light and radial velocity curve analyses for the eclipsing binary OO Leo. The simultaneous solution suggests that OO Leo is a W-subtype contact binary with a relatively low mass ratio (1/q = 0.173) and a moderate degree of contact (f = 28.1%). The asymmetry and continuous changes observed in the TESS light curve were properly modeled by one retrograde cool spot on its secondary surface. A detailed investigation of the Hα line also confirmed that the secondary star had a high level of magnetic activity. The retrograde longitudinal motion of the spot can be explained by a solar-like differential rotation in the secondary component. The orbital period investigation revealed that OO Leo is undergoing a secular decrease and a cyclic variation in its orbital period. The secular decrease may be mainly caused by mass transfer from the more massive secondary star to the less massive primary star. The cyclic period variation can be explained by the light–time effect of an invisible third body or the cyclic magnetic activity of the secondary star. The long-lived spot migration in the longitudinal direction makes OO Leo an excellent target for investigating the differential rotations of contact binaries.

Searching for Rapid Pulsations in Solar Flare X-Ray Data

Most studies of quasiperiodic pulsations (QPPs) in solar flares have identified characteristic periods in the 5–300 s range. Due to observational limitations, there have been few attempts to probe the <5 s period regime and understand the prevalence of such short-period QPPs. However, the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) has observed approximately 1500 solar flares to date in high-cadence 16 Hz burst mode, providing us with an opportunity to study short-period QPPs at X-ray energies. We systematically analyze every solar flare observed by Fermi/GBM in burst mode, estimating the prevalence of QPPs in multiple X-ray energy bands. To better understand these results, we complement this with an analysis of synthetic solar flare lightcurves, both with and without oscillatory signals present. Using these synthetic lightcurves, we can understand the likely false-alarm and true-positive rates in the real solar GBM data. We do not find strong evidence for widespread short-period QPPs, indicating either a low base occurrence rate of such signatures or that their typical signal-to-noise ratios must be low—less than 1—in Fermi/GBM data. Finally, we present a selection of the most interesting potential QPP events that were identified in the GBM solar X-ray data.

Light curve analysis for the two eclipsing binary stars EM Cet and EL Cen

Light curve analysis for the two eclipsing binary stars EM Cet and EL Cen

Circumstellar Interaction Signatures in the Low-luminosity Type II SN 2021gmj

We present comprehensive optical observations of SN 2021gmj, a Type II supernova (SN II) discovered within a day of explosion by the Distance Less Than 40 Mpc survey. Follow-up observations show that SN 2021gmj is a low-luminosity SN II (LL SN II), with a peak magnitude M V = −15.45 and an Fe ii velocity of ∼1800 km s−1 at 50 days past explosion. Using the expanding photosphere method, we derive a distance of 17.8−0.4+0.6 Mpc. From the tail of the light curve we obtain a radioactive nickel mass of M56Ni = 0.014 ± 0.001 M ⊙. The presence of circumstellar material (CSM) is suggested by the early-time light curve, early spectra, and high-velocity Hα in absorption. Analytical shock-cooling models of the light curve cannot reproduce the fast rise, supporting the idea that the early-time emission is partially powered by the interaction of the SN ejecta and CSM. The inferred low CSM mass of 0.025 M ⊙ in our hydrodynamic-modeling light-curve analysis is also consistent with our spectroscopy. We observe a broad feature near 4600 Å, which may be high-ionization lines of C, N, or/and He ii. This feature is reproduced by radiation-hydrodynamic simulations of red supergiants with extended atmospheres. Several LL SNe II show similar spectral features, implying that high-density material around the progenitor may be common among them.

Study of a Red Clump Giant, KIC 11087027, with High Rotation and Strong Infrared Excess—Evidence of Tidal Interaction for High Lithium Abundance

This Letter presents results from Kepler photometric light curves and a high-resolution spectroscopic study of a super-Li-rich giant KIC11087027. Using the light-curve analysis, we measured the star’s rotational period P rot = 30.4 ± 0.1 days, which translates to rotational velocity V rot = 19.5 ± 1.7 km s−1. The star’s location in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram, derived values of 12C/13C = 7 ± 1 and [C/N] = −0.95 ± 0.2, and the inferred asteroseismic parameters from secondary calibration based on spectra suggest the star is a low-mass red clump giant in the He-core burning phase. Using Gaia data, we found evidence of variation in radial velocity and proper motion, indicative of presence of an unresolved binary. The large V rot is probably a result of tidal synchronization combined with the aftereffects of He flash, in which the size of the star is reduced significantly. The simultaneous presence of features like high rotation, very high Li abundance, strong dust shell, and strong flares in a single star is relatively uncommon, suggesting that the star experiencing tidal synchronization has recently undergone He flash. The results pose a question whether the binary interaction, hence the high rotation, is a prerequisite for the dredging up of the high amounts of Li from the interior to the photosphere during or immediately after the He-flash event.

Tessilator: a one-stop shop for measuring TESS rotation periods

ABSTRACT We present a software package designed to produce photometric light curves and measure rotation periods from full-frame images taken by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which we name ‘tessilator’. tessilator is the only publicly available code that will run a full light curve and rotation period ($P_{\rm rot}$) analysis based on just a (list of) target identifier(s) or sky position(s) via a simple command-line prompt. This paper sets out to introduce the rationale for developing tessilator, and then describes the methods, considerations, and assumptions for: extracting photometry; dealing with potential contamination; accounting for natural and instrumental systematic effects; light-curve normalization and detrending; removing outliers and unreliable data; and finally, measuring the $P_{\rm rot}$ value and several periodogram attributes. Our methods have been tuned specifically to optimize TESS light curves and are independent from the pipelines developed by the TESS Science Processing Operations Center (SPOC), meaning tessilator can, in principle, analyse any target across the entire celestial sphere. We compare tessilator$P_{\rm rot}$ measurements with TESS-SPOC-derived light curves of 1560 (mainly solar-type and low-mass) stars across four benchmark open clusters (Pisces–Eridanus, the Pleiades, the Hyades, and Praesepe) and a sample of nearby field M-dwarfs. From a vetted subsample of 864 targets we find an excellent return of $P_{\rm rot}$ matches for the first three open clusters ($\gt 85$ per cent) and a moderate ($\sim 60$ per cent) match for the 700 Myr Praesepe and MEarth sample, which validates tessilator as a tool for measuring $P_{\rm rot}$. The tessilator code is available at https://github.com/alexbinks/tessilator.

Investigation of the stability of the extreme low mass ratio contact binaries SX Crv and XX Sex, which are analysed photometrically

The photometric analyses of the extreme low mass ratio contact binaries SX Crv and XX Sex were conducted in detail. Light curves of SX Crv and XX Sex were retrieved from TESS, and light curve analyses were performed simultaneously with radial velocities. The mass ratios for SX Crv and XX Sex were calculated as 0.077(1) and 0.099(2). The masses of the primary components account for about 90% of the total masses of the systems and were determined to be 1.256(48) M⊙ and 1.337(37) M⊙ for SX Crv and XX Sex, respectively. It has been observed that the orbital periods of both systems have increased. The orbital period change rate of SX Crv has been calculated to be 0.39 s per century, while that of XX Sex has been calculated to be 2.68 s per century. The orbital angular momentum (Jo) determined for both systems is more than 3 times the spin angular momentum (Js), and it can be said that the SX Crv and XX Sex systems are stable. The calculated instability separation (ains.) and instability mass ratio (qins.) values for both systems are smaller than those obtained in the analyses, which supports the stability. The estimated ages of the systems are 7.4 Gyr for SX Crv and 3.9 Gyr for XX Sex. logMtot – logJ and logTeff – logL diagrams were also interpreted to better understand the evolution of the extreme low mass ratio contact binaries.