Light Curve Changes Research Articles

Two Candidate KH 15D–like Systems from the Zwicky Transient Facility

KH 15D contains a circumbinary disk that is tilted relative to the orbital plane of the central binary. The precession of the disk and the orbital motion of the binary together produce rich phenomena in the photometric light curve. In this work, we present the discovery and preliminary analysis of two objects that resemble the key features of KH 15D from the Zwicky Transient Facility. These new objects, Bernhard-1 and Bernhard-2, show large-amplitude ( >1.5 mag), long-duration (more than tens of days), and periodic dimming events. A one-sided screen model is developed to model the photometric behavior of these objects, the physical interpretation of which is a tilted, warped circumbinary disk occulting the inner binary. Changes in the object light curves suggest potential precession periods over timescales longer than 10 yr. Additional photometric and spectroscopic observations are encouraged to better understand the nature of these interesting systems.

First investigation of eclipsing binary KIC 9026766: analysis of light curve and periodic changes

We investigate a short-period W UMa binary KIC 9026766 with an orbital period of 0.2721278d in the Kepler field of view. By applying an automated q-search for the folded light curve and producing a synthetic light curve for this object based on the PHOEBE code, we calculate the fundamental stellar parameters. We also analyze the O − C curve of the primary minima. The orbital period changes can be attributed to the combination of an upward quadratic function and light-travel time effect (LTTE) due to a possible third body with a minimum mass of 0.029 M ⊙ and an orbital period of 972.5866 ±0.0041d. The relative luminosity of the primary and secondary eclipses (Min I − Min II) is calculated. The periodogram of the residuals of the LTTE and Min I − Min II show peaks with the same period of 0.8566d. The background effect of two nearby stars on our target is the possible reason for this signal. By considering the amplitudes and periods of the remaining signals in the O − C curve of minima, spot motion is possible.

Light Curve Changes and Possible Precession in mCP Stars

We searched for evidence of precession in mCP stars observed with the Four College Automatic Photometric Telescope. We were able to improve the periods of six of these stars. We also found some evidence for precession over time intervals of decades in six or possibly seven of these stars, however, the evidence is not strong. To provide better evidence for precession, yearly observations with complete phase coverage over a time interval of at least two decades would be required.

MKT J170456.2–482100: the first transient discovered by MeerKAT

ABSTRACT We report the discovery of the first transient with MeerKAT, MKT J170456.2–482100, discovered in ThunderKAT images of the low-mass X-ray binary GX339–4. MKT J170456.2–482100 is variable in the radio, reaching a maximum flux density of $0.71\pm 0.11\, \mathrm{mJy}$ on 2019 October 12, and is undetected in 15 out of 48 ThunderKAT epochs. MKT J170456.2–482100 is coincident with the chromospherically active K-type sub-giant TYC 8332-2529-1, and $\sim 18\, \mathrm{yr}$ of archival optical photometry of the star shows that it varies with a period of $21.25\pm 0.04\, \mathrm{d}$. The shape and phase of the optical light curve changes over time, and we detect both X-ray and UV emission at the position of MKT J170456.2–482100, which may indicate that TYC 8332-2529-1 has large star spots. Spectroscopic analysis shows that TYC 8332-2529-1 is in a binary, and has a line-of-sight radial velocity amplitude of $43\, \mathrm{km\, s^{-1}}$. We also observe a spectral feature in antiphase with the K-type sub-giant, with a line-of-sight radial velocity amplitude of $\sim 12\pm 10\, \mathrm{km\, s^{-1}}$, whose origins cannot currently be explained. Further observations and investigation are required to determine the nature of the MKT J170456.2–482100 system.

Astrometry and photometry of asteroids from the UkrVO database of astroplates

AbstractWe present the developed methods of digitization, image processing, reduction, and scientific data mining with the latest reference catalogs, which allowed us to obtain a good positional and photometric accuracy in B-band of 6,500 asteroids down to 17.5m from the Ukrainian Virtual Observatory database of astroplates. The archive includes FON-Kyiv, FON-Kitab, FON-Dushanbe sky surveys (1981–1996) and astroplates of the Baldone and Tautenburg observatories. For some of asteroids, observations are either completely absent or not enough over the certain time interval to the moments of their official discoveries (about 300 such objects were found). Positional observations during these time scales are highly useful for a more detailed study of the dynamics and orbital parameters of asteroids as well as the obtained photometric parameters are very complementary with present-day data for studying changes in brightness and light curves.

T Tauri stars in the SuperWASP and NSVS surveys

We present a study of the long-term optical variability of young T Tauri stars using previously unpublished data from the SuperWASP project. Other publicly available photometry from NSVS and the NASA K2 mission were used to check and supplement our results. Our sample includes twenty weak-lined T Tauri stars in the Taurus-Auriga star-forming region. We have performed a period search on the long time-series photometry and derived the mean periods of stars in our sample. We have found new periods for the stars V1334 Tau (HD 283782) and V1349 Tau (HD 31281) without any estimation of the period in literature. The rotation period was found for the primary star in the binary V773 Tau (HD 283447). Several earlier results were updated. For the star V410 Tau (HD 283518), we have compared the light curve changes found in previous studies to the new measurements and attributed the evolution of spots to a ~15-year cycle similar to the solar 11-year cycle. We have also derived luminosities and effective temperatures for our targets, in order to locate them in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and to calibrate the masses and ages of the target stars.

Influence of short periods of increased water temperature on species composition and photosynthetic activity in the Baltic periphyton communities

Periphyton plays a vital ecological role in shallow, well-lit ecosystems which are vulnerable to rapidly changing environmental conditions, including raising temperature due to global warming. Nevertheless, little is known on the effect of increased temperatures on the taxonomic structure and functioning of periphytic communities. In this study, the influence of short-term temperature increase on the species composition and photosynthetic activity of the Baltic periphytic communities was investigated. The collected communities were exposed to increased temperature of 23 °C (ca. 4 °C above the summer average) for 72 h. After this time, species composition of the communities was studied under light microscope and their photosynthetic performance was evaluated using PAM fluorometry. Results showed that the biomass of cyanobacteria slightly increased. There were significant changes in the abundance of diatom species, among which Fragilaria fasciculata and Navicula ramosissima, were negatively affected by the elevated temperature and their cell number significantly decreased, whereas, Diatoma moniliformis and N. perminuta were stimulated by the increased temperature. Additionally, a shift towards higher abundance of smaller taxa was also observed. The higher quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) (higher ΦPSII) accompanied by the lower value of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) observed in communities kept at 23 °C showed more efficient photosynthesis. This was further confirmed by the changes in rapid light curves (higher photosynthetic capacity, rETRmax, and photoacclimation index, Ek). The obtained data constitute evidence that short periods of increased temperature significantly affect the structure and functioning of the Baltic periphyton.

Rapid Light-curve Changes and Probable Flip-flop Activity of the W UMa-type Binary V410 Aur

Abstract New photometric observations of a W UMa system, V410 Aur, were carried out over 10 nights from 2014 December 19 to 2015 February 8, from which four sets of light curves were obtained. The light curves show many unusual behavioral features, including changing occultation depths, transit minima, and asymmetric maxima. The four sets of light curves have been separately analyzed with the Wilson–Devinney method. The results suggest a totally eclipsing contact configuration for the system. Over a surprisingly short time span of only 52 days, the dominant spot distortion phase jumped twice between phases 0.0 and 0.5. The light-curve variations can be interpreted by the presence of two cool spots on the massive component. Based on our analysis, it is further suggested that the peculiar behavioral patterns are probably caused by the presence of two permanent, active large spots separated in longitude by about 180°, whose locations remain almost unchanged throughout. Our study demonstrates that the system has been undergoing typical flip-flop activity. We therefore conclude that V410 Aur is a W UMa-type system exhibiting flip-flop activity.

Long‐term activity of QU Car

This paper presents an analysis of the long‐term activity of the cataclysmic variable (CV) QU Car using CCD (charge‐coupled device) V‐band ASAS (All Sky Automated Survey) data, obtained between 2001 and 2009. I show that the evolution of brightness on the timescale of weeks and months (not from night to night) dominates the light curve during this mapped time. The histograms of brightness are not consistent with the normal distribution and show that the character of the light curve changes for the individual years, although the mean brightness remains similar. One episode of an exceptionally bright state displayed a return accompanied by a series of strong fluctuations of brightness. This shows that the amplitude of the brightness variations changes from time to time, and it does not always depend on the mean level of brightness. This analysis of QU Car thus shows the type of the long‐term activity in a CV with a very high mass transfer rate.

Light Curve and SED Modeling of the Gamma-Ray Binary 1FGL J1018.6–5856: Constraints on the Orbital Geometry and Relativistic Flow

Abstract We present broadband spectral energy distributions and light curves of the gamma-ray binary 1FGL J1018.6−5856 measured in the X-ray and the gamma-ray bands. We find that the orbital modulation in the low-energy gamma-ray band is similar to that in the X-ray band, suggesting a common spectral component. However, above a GeV the orbital light curve changes significantly. We suggest that the GeV band contains significant flux from a pulsar magnetosphere, while the X-ray to TeV light curves are dominated by synchrotron and Compton emission from an intrabinary shock (IBS). We find that a simple one-zone model is inadequate to explain the IBS emission, but that beamed Synchrotron-self Compton radiation from adiabatically accelerated plasma in the shocked pulsar wind can reproduce the complex multiband light curves, including the variable X-ray spike coincident with the gamma-ray maximum. The model requires an inclination of ∼50° and an orbital eccentricity of ∼0.35, consistent with the limited constraints from existing optical observations. This picture motivates searches for pulsations from the energetic young pulsar powering the wind shock.

General Model for Light Curves of Chromospherically Active Binary Stars∗

Abstract The starspots on the surface of many chromospherically active binary stars concentrate on long-lived active longitudes separated by 180°. Shifts in activity between these two longitudes, the “flip-flop” events, have been observed in single stars like FK Comae and binary stars like σ Geminorum. Recently, interferometry has revealed that ellipticity may at least partly explain the flip-flop events in σ Geminorum. This idea was supported by the double-peaked shape of the long-term mean light curve of this star. Here we show that the long-term mean light curves of 14 chromospherically active binaries follow a general model that explains the connection between orbital motion, changes in starspot distribution, ellipticity, and flip-flop events. Surface differential rotation is probably weak in these stars, because the interference of two constant period waves may explain the observed light curve changes. These two constant periods are the active longitude period and the orbital period . We also show how to apply the same model to single stars, where only the value of P act is known. Finally, we present a tentative interference hypothesis about the origin of magnetic fields in all spectral types of stars.

OO Aquilae: a solar-type contact binary with intrinsic light curve changes

New multi-color photometry of the solar-type contact binary OO Aql was obtained in 2012 and 2013, using the 60 cm telescope at Xinglong Station of the National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences. From two sets of light curves LC1 and LC2, photometric models were performed by using the 2003 version of the Wilson-Devinney code. The overcontact factor of the binary system was determined to be f = 37.0(±0.5)%. The intrinsic variability of this binary occurs in light maxima and minima, which could result from a possible third component and magnetic activity of the late type components. Based on all available light minimum times, the orbital period may change in a complicated mode, i.e., sudden period jumps or continuous period variations. The period of OO Aql may possibly undergo a secular period decrease with a rate of dP/dt = −3.63(±0.30) × 10−8 d yr−1, superimposed by two possible cyclic variations in the O – C curve. The long-term period decrease may be interpreted as conserved mass transfer from the more massive component to the less massive one. The 21.5-yr oscillation may be attributed to cyclic magnetic activity, and the 69.3-yr one may result from the light-time effect of an unseen tertiary body.

THE NATURE OF V392 ORI: A NEAR-CONTACT BINARY WITH AδSCUTI-TYPE COMPONENT

This study presents multi-color photometric observations of the short-period eclipsing binary V392 Ori. Taking into account the results obtained from the models and analyses of the BVRI light curves, the nature of the binary system as well as the light-curve variations were discussed. The distortions of the light curves were successfully synthesized with a cool-spot model. The photometric solutions indicated that V392 Ori is a semi-detached, near-contact system with the cooler secondary component filling and the primary nearly filling each of their Roche lobes. The mass ratio of the system is determined to be 0.247 ± 0.001, and the inclination is derived to be . Based on these results, the physical parameters of the components were estimated. The analysis indicates that the secular orbital period of the system is decreasing at a rate of −3.0 s per century, probably due to the nonconservative mass exchange and mass loss of the system, which could be the source of the long-term light-curve changes. By subtracting the theoretical light curves from the original observations, we remove the eclipse and proximity effects so as to investigate the short-term variations. Frequency analysis of the residual light reveals a periodicity of 35.5 minutes in all the BVRI bands. The nature of the intrinsic pulsations was discussed along with the evolution of the components. For the first time in the literature, we revealed that the primary component is a δ Scuti star. We thus list V392 Ori as a new candidate eclipsing binary with a δ Scuti component.

HS Hydrae about to turn off its eclipses

Aims: We aim to perform the first long-term analysis of the system HS Hya. Methods: We performed an analysis of the long-term evolution of the light curves of the detached eclipsing system HS Hya. Collecting all available photometric data since its discovery, the light curves were analyzed with a special focus on the evolution of system's inclination. Results: We find that the system undergoes a rapid change of inclination. Since its discovery until today the system's inclination changed by more than 15 deg. The shape of the light curve changes, and now the eclipses are almost undetectable. The third distant component of the system is causing the precession of the close orbit, and the nodal period is about 631 yr. Conclusions: New precise observations are desperately needed, preferably this year, because the amplitude of variations is decreasing rapidly every year. We know only 10 such systems on the whole sky at present.

The new RS CVn binary V1034 Her revisited and the orbital period — activity relation of short-period RS CVn binaries using photometric distortion amplitude

This paper presents new CCD BV RI light curves of the newly discovered RS CVn eclipsing binary V1034 Her in 2009 and 2010, the shapes of which are different from previously published results. They show an asymmetric outside eclipse, and we try to use a spot model to explain the phenomenon. Using the Wilson-Devinney program with a one-spot or two-spot model, photometric solutions of the system and starspot parameters were derived. Comparing the two results shows that the case of two spots is more successful in reproducing light-curve distortions. Looking at all the spot longitudes, the trend is towards active longitude belts and each active longitude belt may switch. Comparing the light curves from 2009 and 2010, we can see that the light curve changes over the long time scale of a year, especially in phase 0.25. In addition, we also collected the values of the maximum amplitudes of photometric distortion of the short-period RS CVn binary. We found for the first time that there is a trend of increasing activity with decreasing orbital period. Finally, fitting all available light minimum times including our newly obtained ones with a polynomial function confirmed that the orbital period of V1034 Her increased.

GRB 071112C: A CASE STUDY OF DIFFERENT MECHANISMS IN X-RAY AND OPTICAL TEMPORAL EVOLUTION

We present the study on GRB 071112C X-ray and optical light curves. In these two wavelength ranges, we have found different temporal properties. The R-band light curve showed an initial rise followed by a single power-law decay, while the X-ray light curve was described by a single power-law decay plus a flare-like feature. Our analysis shows that the observed temporal evolution cannot be described by the external shock model in which the X-ray and optical emission are produced by the same emission mechanism. No significant color changes in multi-band light curves and a reasonable value of the initial Lorentz factor ({\Gamma}0 = 275 \pm 20) in a uniform ISM support the afterglow onset scenario as the correct interpretation for the early R-band rise. The result suggests the optical flux is dominated by afterglow. Our further investigations show that the X-ray flux could be created by an additional feature related to energy injection and X-ray afterglow. Different theoretical interpretations indicate the additional feature in X-ray can be explained by either late internal dissipation or local inverse-Compton scattering in the external shock.

Long-period variables in the CoRoT fields

Aims. We searched the first set of data released by the CoRoT mission for red stars showing long-period variability (LPV). These stars are likely highly evolved stars on the upper giant branch. The high time resolution of the CoRoT data allows us to study the light curves of these variables in unprecedented detail. Methods. Light curves of the reddest stars were extracted from the CoRoT public archive. The search for LPV was done by visual inspection. Instrumental artefacts were removed, and the final light curves were inspected for signs of variability on time scales of hours to a few days. Such abrupt and irregular light curve changes have been reported in the literature to occur in these stars, but their origin is not yet understood. Results. We detected 52 LPV candidates in four CoRoT fields, most of them previously unknown. No signs of any short-time light changes on time scales between 20 min and a few days and an amplitude exceeding a few mmag could be detected. We conclude that if these short-time variations are physical reality, they must be quite rare events, and we derive a 95% confidence upper limit of 0.15 events per star per year. Any deviations from a perfectly smooth long-time variation are occurring on time scales longer than approximately 10 days.

Kepler photometry of the prototypical Blazhko star RR Lyr: an old friend seen in a new light

We present our analysis of the long cadence Kepler data for the well-studied Blazhko star RR Lyr, gathered during the first two quarters of the satellite's observations and covering a total of 127d. Besides being of great importance for our understanding of RR Lyrae stars in general, these RR Lyr data can be regarded as a case study for observations of bright stars with Kepler. Kepler can perform high-precision photometry on targets like RR Lyr, as the saturated flux is conserved to a very high degree. The Kepler data on RR Lyr are revolutionary in several respects. Even with long-cadence sampling (one measurement per 29.4 min), the unprecedented precision (< mmag) of the Kepler photometry allows the study of the star's extreme light curve variations in detail. The multiplet structures at the main frequency and its harmonics, typical for Blazhko stars, are clearly detected up to the quintuplets. For the first time, photometric data of RR Lyr reveal the presence of half-integer frequencies, linked to a period doubling effect. This phenomenon may be connected to the still unexplained Blazhko modulation. Moreover, with three observed Blazhko cycles at our disposal, we observe that there is no exact repetition in the light curve changes from one modulation cycle to the next for RR Lyr. This may be due to additional periodicities in the star, or to transient or quasi-periodic changes.

The puzzling binary HD 143418

Context. HD 143418 was discovered recently to be a double-lined spectroscopic binary with a primary designated as a CP star. Its light displays an orbital phase coupled variability with a peak-to-peak amplitude up to 0.04 mag. Aims. The photometry available and new high dispersion spectra were investigated from a point of view of CP characteristics. Methods. A series of high resolution high S/N coude spectra was acquired from which 25 weak to strong unblended lines of Fe i and ii ,T iii ,C rii ,Z rii ,a nd Baii were selected to study spectral line variability. Two Zeeman spectra were obtained to search for a possible magnetic field of the star, and one echelle spectrum in a wide spectral region was analysed for abundance determination by means of synthetic spectra. The photometric observations were subjected to a PCA disentangling of the complex photometric behaviour. Results. We identified spectral lines of the secondary in the yellow region on the echelle as well as on two coude spectra, whose occurence belongs to an F6V star and the intensity corresponds to the luminosity ratio 0.06. Equivalent widths of the selected spectral lines of the primary component do not change within the errors of measurements. The spectra taken with a Zeeman analyser do not indicate a magnetic field. The abundance pattern does not correspond to characteristics of a variable CP2 star. The only remarkable deviation is a more than 1.1 dex deficit of scandium, one of the properties of non-variable Am stars. The photometric variability is tied to the orbital period and is due to ellipticity of the primary component and not to a putatively structured surface of the primary that is confirmed to rotate subsynchronously. The seasonal component of the light curve changes in amplitude as well as in shape. Conclusions. We conclude that the primary is a normal, mildly evolved A5V main sequence star. The seasonal variability of the orbitally modulated light curves may be related to an expected incidence of circumstellar matter originating in the tidally spinning up primary component. HD 143418 may be a prototype of a rare detached interacting close binary containing a subsynchronously rotating primary passing through its synchronisation stage.

Effects of Mutual Transits by Extrasolar Planet–Companion Systems on Light Curves

Abstract We consider the effects of mutual transits by extrasolar planet–companion systems (in a true binary or a planet–satellite system) on light curves. We show that induced changes in light curves depend strongly on a ratio between a planet–companion’s orbital velocity around their host star and a planet–companion’s spin speed around their common center of mass. In both the slow and fast-spin cases (corresponding to long and short distances between them, respectively), a certain asymmetry appears in light curves. We show that, especially in the case of short distances, occultation of one faint object by the other, while the transit of the planet–companion system occurs in front of its parent star, causes an apparent increase in light curves, and characteristic fluctuations appear as important evidence of mutual transits. We show also that extrasolar mutual transits provide a complementary method for measuring the radii of two transiting objects, their separation and masses, and consequently for identifying the system as a true binary, a planet–satellite system, or others. Monitoring 10$^5$ stars for 3 yr with Kepler may lead to the discovery of a second Earth–Moon-like system if the fraction of such systems for an averaged star is larger than 0.05, or we may put an upper limit on the fraction as $f$$\lt$ 0.05.