Low-dispersion Spectra Research Articles

The Discovery of Three Galactic Wolf–Rayet Stars

Wolf–Rayet stars (WRs) are evolved massive stars in the brief stage before they undergo core collapse. Not only are they rare, but they also can be particularly difficult to find due to the high extinction in the Galactic plane. This paper discusses the discovery of three new Galactic WRs previously classified as Hα emission stars, but thanks to Gaia spectra, we were able to identify the broad, strong emission lines that characterize WRs. Using the Lowell Discovery Telescope and the DeVeny spectrograph, we obtained spectra for each star. Two are WC9s, and the third is a WN6 + O6.5 V binary. The latter is a known eclipsing system with a 4.4 day period from ASAS-SN data. We calculate absolute visual magnitudes for all three stars to be between −7 and −6, which is consistent with our expectations of these subtypes. These discoveries highlight the incompleteness of the WR census in our local volume of the Milky Way and suggest the potential for future Galactic WR discoveries from Gaia low-dispersion spectra. Furthermore, radial velocity studies of the newly found binary will provide direct mass estimates and orbital parameters, adding to our knowledge of the role that binarity plays in massive star evolution.

Optical Spectroscopy and Photoionization Model of Planetary Nebula NGC 6572

We investigated NGC 6572 through optical spectroscopy to determine its kinematical and chemical properties. Two intermediate dispersion spectra (R~5000) centered around Hα and Hβ were used to derive the nebular expansion velocity from emission lines associated with Hα, Hβ, [OIII], [NII], and [SII] ions. A low dispersion spectrum (R~1000) was used to determine the nebular electron temperature, density, and chemical composition. We performed photoionization modeling to construct a self-consistent nebular model, whileintermediate-resolution spectral images showed the global elliptical structure of the nebula. The expansion velocity deduced from most of the emission lines is consistent with the typical expansion velocity of planetary nebulae, i.e., around 15-20 kms-1. The nebular physical properties align well with those determined by other studies. The nebular abundances were found to be lower than the solar abundances (except for oxygen) but still comparable with the abundances derived by other researchers. The photoionization model generated spectral lines that are consistent with the lines found in the observations. Further spectroscopic observations with higher resolution and wider range at various position angles will be very useful to reveal a more complete and detailed structure of the nebula and to improve the determination of the nebular physical properties.

The Spatial and Emission Properties of the Large [O iii] Emission Nebula Near M31

Drechsler et al. reported the unexpected discovery of a 1.°5 long [O iii] emission nebula 1.°2 southeast of the M31 nucleus. Here we present additional images of this large emission arc, called the Strottner–Drechsler–Sainty Object (SDSO), along with radial velocity and flux measurements from low-dispersion spectra. Independent sets of [O iii] images show SDSO to be composed of broad streaks of diffuse emission aligned northeast–southwest. Deep Hα images reveal no strong coincident emission suggesting a high [O iii]/Hα ratio. We also find no other [O iii] emission nebulosity as bright as SDSO within several degrees of M31 and no filamentary Hα emission connected to SDSO. Optical spectra taken along the nebula’s northern limb reveal [O iii] λ λ4959, 5007 emissions matching the location and extent seen in our [O iii] images. The heliocentric velocity of this [O iii] nebulosity is −9.8 ± 6.8 km s−1 with a peak surface brightness of (4 ± 2) × 10−18 erg s−1 cm−2 arcsec−2 (∼0.55 Rayleigh). We discuss SDSO as a possible unrecognized supernova remnant, a large and unusually nearby planetary nebula, a stellar bow shock nebula, or an interaction of M31's outer halo with Local Group circumgalactic gas. We conclude that galactic origins for SDSO are unlikely and favor instead an extragalactic M31 halo–circumgalactic cloud interaction scenario, despite the nebula’s low radial velocity. We then describe new observations that may help resolve the nature and origin of this large nebulosity so close to M31 in the sky.

A low-dispersion spectral video camera for observing lunar impact flashes

An impact of a meteoroid on the lunar surface at speeds exceeding several kilometers per second generates a light flash generally less than 0.1 s in duration. We made a simple spectral video camera for observing the lunar impact flashes and monitored the waxing crescent Moon’s non-sunlit surface from Oct. 2016 to May 2017. We detected ten flash candidates though there was no report of simultaneous detections by other observers. We obtained low-dispersion spectra in visible wavelengths for nine of them. Six of them show spectra similar to those of the flashes observed during the Geminids meteor activity in Dec. 2018 by the same camera. The spectra are continuous and red. Blackbody spectra fitted to them show temperatures around 3000 K. On the other hand, three of them show continuous blue spectra. Blackbody spectra fitted to them show temperatures of more than 6000 K. Specular reflection of sunlight by space debris might lead to these flashes. However, the impact of a low-density meteoroid not against the fine lunar regolith but solid lunar rocks could cause blue flashes. In this paper, we give full details of the camera and the analytical procedures of the videos. We also discuss recommendations for future spectral observations.Graphical

Orbital parameters of the hierarchical triplet system CN Lyn

ABSTRACT CN Lyn is an intriguing triplet system that contains three equal-mass components. However, the orbital parameters of this rare triple system are still unknown. By monitoring the system since 2016 October 19, 13 eclipse times have been obtained. We discover that the observed minus calculated (O − C) diagram of CN Lyn shows a cyclical variation with a period of 15.80 (± 0.40) years and a projected semi-major axis of 0.0074 (± 0.0008) days. The orbital properties of the third body are investigated by analysing the light travel time effect. It is found that the third body is orbiting the central binary in an eccentric orbit (e3 ∼ 0.38 (± 0.18)). The orbital inclination is determined to be i3 = 25°, which reveals that the third body is non-coplanar to the orbit of the central eclipsing binary. This is the reason why investigators did not detect a clear periodicity in the radial velocities of the third body. By analysing one low-dispersion spectrum obtained with the 2.16-m telescope in Xinglong station, stellar atmospheric parameters of CN Lyn were derived. It is shown that the system has a low metallicity that is only about 21.5 per cent of the solar metallicity. The rare composition, eccentric orbit, low metallicity, and low orbital inclination of the triplets all indicate that the CN Lyn system can provide valuable information on the formation of multiple star systems, a matter of active research and debate.

Magnetic activity and age estimation of red giants using neural networks

ABSTRACT In this work, we analysed the magnetic activity of 5349 Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) low-dispersion spectra of 3539 red giants by calculating equivalent width (EW) of magnetic activity lines (H α, H β, H γ, H δ, $\rm{Ca~{ii} H\&K}$, $\rm{Ca~{ii} IRT}$). Combining LAMOST spectral parameters, asteroseismic parameters, and EWs of the magnetic activity lines, an attempt was made to estimate the age of red giants using neural networks. By using the neural networks to select the input parameters, we get the best age estimation of the red giants with the input parameters ‘Teff’, ‘[Fe/H]’, ‘log g’, ‘νmax’, and ‘Δν’, which is in line with expectations. The average value of the relative error between the estimated age and the isochronous age is 22.4 per cent. The age estimation was not improved by adding the EWs of more magnetic activity lines. This indicates that the EWs of these spectral lines are not directly related to the age of the red giants. The reason for this might be that the dynamo operating in the outer layers of the red giants has shut off at the end of core-hydrogen-burning. The absence of emission in all the magnetic activity lines of the 5349 LAMOST spectra also confirms this conclusion. In addition, the results indicate that the EWs of the magnetic activity lines are more related to the effective temperature, which is also in line with expectations.

NEW SPECTRAL ANALYSIS RESULTS WITHIN THE SCOPE OF EXTENDED MATTER RESEARCH IN THE AR LACERTAE ACTIVE BINARY SYSTEM

Within the scope of extended matter research, we present new spectral analysis results of an active binary system, AR Lac. The low and high resolution spectra of this system, were taken during the period 2013-2016. The evaluation of low dispersion spectra together with the B, V, Rc, Ic and WISE photometric data showed that AR Lac has an excess radiation in the W2 band. In addition, the spectral energy distribution and the minima depth ratios of the light curves of this active binary system were studied to examine the flux contributions of the components of the system depending on wavelengths and on orbital phase. Furthermore, high resolution spectral analysis showed evidence of prominence-like structures and a possible extended matter around the cooler component of AR Lac.

Investigation of DFBS late type stars at high galactic latitudes

We study in this thesis relatively bright late-type giants found in the First Byurakan Survey (FBS) data base. We present the 2nd version of the catalogue of FBS LTS with new data (FBS LTS v2), 1471 objects. It is a homogeneous and complete database for high- Galactic late-type stars, including M and C types. Since 2007, all FBS low-resolution spectral plates are digitized. All DFBS spectral plates are analyzed with FITSView and SAO Image ds9 and numerous relatively faint LTS were discovered. We have made cross-correlation with DFBS, USNO-B1.0, 2MASS, AllWISE, IRAS PSC/FSC, AKARI, ROSAT BSC/FSC, GCVS, SDSS and added updated SIMBAD data. For numerous new detected objects, we present accurate DSS2 positions, approximate spectral subtypes refined from the DFBS low-dispersion spectra, luminosity classes estimated from 2MASS colours, and available proper motions for 1471 FBS LTS. The Revised and Updated Catalogue v2 lists a large number of completely new objects, which promise to extend very significantly the census of M giants, faint N-type AGB carbon stars, CH-type carbon giants at high Galactic latitudes, also M dwarfs in the Solar vicinity up to 16.0m-17.0m in visual. Phase dependent light-curves from large sky area variability data bases such as Catalina Sky Survey (CSS) and All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN), and the early installment of the third Gaia data release (Gaia EDR3) photometric and astrometric data have been used to characterize our sample of 1100 M-type giants found and 130 C-type stars at high latitudes. We show the behaviour of our sample stars in a Gaia DR2 color–absolute magnitude diagram (CaMD), the Gaia-2MASS-diagram, including two alternative versions, and the logP-K-diagram. In this way we explore the potential of these diagrams and their combination for the analysis and interpretation of datasets of LPVs. We show the possibility to classify stars into M- and C-types and to identify the mass of the bulk of the sample stars.

Search and Studies of the First Byurakan Survey Blue Stellar Objects

The First Byurakan Survey (FBS) 2nd Part was devoted to search and studies of Blue Stellar Objects (BSOs) and Late-type Stars. Eleven lists of 1103 BSOs were published in Astrophysics in 1990-1996, found in FBS low-dispersion spectroscopic plates. The selection was carried out in the region with +33◦ > δ > +45◦ and δ >+61◦ with a surface of ∼4000 deg2. As a result, the catalogue of the FBS BSOs was compiled. Its preliminary version has been available at CDS since 1999. We revised and updated the FBS BSOs catalogue with the new data from recently published optical and multiwavelength catalogues to give access to all available data and make further comparative studies of the properties of these objects possible. We made cross-correlations of the FBS BSOs catalogue with the MAPS, USNO-B1.0, SDSS, and 2MASS, as well as ROSAT, IRAS, NVSS, and FIRST catalogs, added updated SIMBAD and NED data for the objects, and provided accurate DSS1 and DSS2 positions and revised photometry. We also checked the objects for proper motion and variability. A refined classification for the low-dispersion spectra in the Digitized First Byurakan Survey (DFBS) was carried out. The revised and updated catalogue of FBS blue stellar objects contains 1101 objects. The FBS blue stellar objects catalogue can be used to study a complete sample of white dwarfs, hot subdwarfs, HBB stars, cataclysmic variables, bright AGN, and to investigate individual interesting objects.

Absolute magnitudes of white dwarfs and discovery of new white dwarfs from FBS Blue Stellar Objects by means of Gaia EDR3 data

Abstract This article is a presentation of a project which is a statistical study of white dwarfs’ properties carried out based on the sample of the First Byurakan Survey Blue Stellar Objects (FBS BSOs) and the Catalogue of White Dwarfs. Using these results, we have searched and will continue to search for new white dwarfs by means of Gaia accurate astrometry. The discovery and study of new White Dwarfs (WDs) is extremely important for understanding the kinematics and dynamics of the local stellar population. They are evolutionary signatures of the Milky Way, as most of stars pass through this evolutionary stage. We have carried out a statistical analysis of the White Dwarfs Catalogue to establish their average physical properties. Based on these data, we have searched for new WDs using Gaia EDR3 accurate astrometry. It provides huge amount of data to confirm WDs and reveal many more such objects. Gaia’s astrometric accuracy allows more detailed studies of WDs and many other stars. Using Gaia accurate data in combination with SDSS and DFBS low-dispersion spectra and additional multiwavelength data, we have revealed many new WDs. Many of them are subject for studies on binarity and variability (including a number of subtypes, e.g. ZZ Ceti stars (pulsating WDs), cataclysmic variables, etc.). WDs among FBS blue stellar objects at high galactic latitudes have been searched and revealed. Search for high galactic latitude WDs in DFBS have also been carried out. Using the revealed and calculated characteristics, a statistical study of WD properties is being done.

Astronomical objects classification based on the Digitized First Byurakan Survey low-dispersion spectra

Abstract The Digitized First Byurakan Survey is the largest and the first systematic objective-prism survey of the extragalactic sky. The detection, extraction, and classification of about 40 million spectra of about 20 million astronomical objects available in the survey require distinguishing the pixels containing photons from the source and the noise pixels per object. This paper aims at developing a service to classify the spectra of UV-excess galaxies, quasars, compact galaxies, and other objects in the survey. Supervised and unsupervised convolutional neural network deep learning algorithms have been developed and studied.

Low dispersion spectra of lunar impact flashes in 2018 Geminids

Lunar impact flashes have been observed at collisions of meteoroids against the non-sunlit lunar surface at speeds exceeding 10 ​km ​s−1. We detected 13 flash candidates between 6.2 and 9.9 in R-magnitude on December 15, 2018 during the Geminids meteor activity. Two or three observatories confirmed eleven of them. We obtained their spectra in the wavelength range between 400 and 870 ​nm. They are continuous and red, with best-fitted single blackbody spectra indicating the temperatures of about 2000–4000 ​K. The temperatures for a few successive movie frames at 16 ​ms or 25 ​ms intervals decrease with time. Incandescent ejecta, consisting of melt droplets or dust, and the radiant floor of an impact crater could be the source of these flashes, except for the initial stages. At the beginning of some flashes, we found an excess of fluxes at short wavelengths of less than about 600 ​nm. The composites of two blackbody spectra may fit the spectra better where their temperatures are about 2000 K and 6000 ​K. The contribution of a high-temperature vapor plume, generated at the very beginnings of the impact phenomena, could be important.

The Nature of the Young Supernova Remnant S8 in the Dwarf Galaxy IC 1613

Abstract We present subarcsecond optical images and low- to moderate-resolution spectra of the compact, X-ray, and optically bright supernova remnant known as S8 in the nearby dwarf galaxy IC 1613. Deep Hα images of the remnant show a sharply defined crescent-shaped nebula, while narrow passband images reveal a coincident and unexpectedly bright continuum nebulosity exhibiting a size and morphology like that seen for the remnant’s line emissions. Low-dispersion spectra covering 3600–9000 Å show numerous low-ionization line emissions such as [O i] and [Fe ii], along with higher-ionization emission lines including He ii and optical coronal lines [Fe vii], [Fe x], [Fe xi], and [Fe xiv]. This suggests the presence of a wide range of shock velocities from ∼50 to over 350 km s−1, corresponding to preshock densities of ∼1–30 cm−3. Higher-resolution spectra indicate an expansion velocity around 180 km s−1 with an ∼45 km s−1 wide central cavity. The Hα emission spans rest-frame velocities of +120 to −240 km s−1, and we estimate a total nebula mass of 119 ± 34 M ⊙. We conclude that S8 is a relatively young supernova remnant (≃2700–4400 yr) exhibiting properties remarkably like those seen in the young LMC remnant N49, including age, physical size, shock velocities, filament densities, optical line strengths, X-ray and optical luminosities, and coronal line and continuum emissions.

G107.0+9.0: a new large optically bright, radio, and X-Ray faint galactic supernova remnant in Cepheus

ABSTRACT Wide-field H α images of the Galactic plane have revealed a new supernova remnant (SNR) nearly 3 deg in diameter centred at l = 107.0, b = +9.0. Deep and higher resolution H α and [O iii] 5007 Å images show dozens of H α filaments along the remnant’s northern, western, and southwestern limbs, but few [O iii] bright filaments. The nebula is well detected in the H α Virginia Tech Spectral-Line Survey images, with many of its brighter filaments even visible on Digital Sky Survey images. Low-dispersion spectra of several filaments show either Balmer dominated, non-radiative filaments, or the more common SNR radiative filaments with [S II]/H α ratios above 0.5, consistent with shock-heated line emission. Emission line ratios suggest shock velocities ranging from ≤70 km s−1 along its western limb to ≃ 100 km s−1 along its northwestern boundary. While no associated X-ray emission is seen in ROSAT images, faint 1420 MHz radio emission appears coincident with its western and northern limbs. Based on an analysis of the remnant’s spatially resolved H α and [O iii] emissions, we estimate the remnant’s distance at ∼1.5−2.0 kpc implying a physically large (dia. = 75−100 pc) and old (90−110 × 103 yr) SNR in its post-Sedov radiative phase of evolution expanding into a low-density interstellar medium (n0 = 0.05−0.2 cm−3) and lying some 250−300 pc above the Galactic plane.

High-resolution and gapless dual comb spectroscopy with current-tuned quantum cascade lasers.

We present gapless, high-resolution absorption and dispersion spectra obtained with quantum cascade laser frequency combs covering 55 cm-1. Using phase-sensitive dual comb design, the comb lines are gradually swept over 10 GHz, corresponding to the free spectral range of the laser devices, by applying a current modulation. We show that with interleaving the spectral point spacing is reduced by more than four orders of magnitude over the full spectral span of the frequency comb. The potential of this technique for high-precision gas sensing is illustrated by measuring the low pressure (107 hPa) absorption and dispersion spectra of methane spanning the range of 1170 cm-1 - 1225 cm-1 with a resolution of 0.001 cm-1.

Revised and updated catalogue of the First Byurakan Survey of Late-Type Stars: second edition

ABSTRACT A total of 18 lists of the First Byurakan Survey of Late-Type Stars (FBS LTS) were published between 1990 and 2016. The stars were found on FBS low-dispersion spectroscopic plates. A systematic search and selection were carried out on a surface of ∼16 000 deg2 on almost the whole area of the FBS. As a result, the ‘Revised and Updated Catalogue of the First Byurakan Survey of Late-Type Stars’ was generated (FBS LTS v1; 1045 objects). We present the second version of the catalogue of FBS LTS with new data (FBS LTS v2), comprising 1471 objects. It is a homogeneous and complete data base for high-Galactic-latitude, late-type stars, including M and C types. Since 2007, all FBS low-resolution spectral plates have been digitized. All digitized FBS (DFBS) spectral plates have been analysed with FITSView and SAO Image ds9, and numerous relatively faint LTSs have been discovered. We have performed cross-correlations with DFBS, USNO-B1.0, 2MASS, AllWISE, IRAS PSC/FSC, AKARI, ROSAT BSC/FSC, GCVS, SDSS and added updated SIMBAD data. For numerous new detected objects, we present accurate DSS2 positions, approximate spectral subtypes refined from the DFBS low-dispersion spectra, luminosity classes estimated from 2MASS colours, and available proper motions for 1471 FBS LTSs. The Revised and Updated Catalogue v2 lists a large number of completely new objects, which promises to extend very significantly the census of M giants, faint N-type asymptotic giant branch carbon stars, CH-type carbon giants at high Galactic latitudes, and M dwarfs in the Solar vicinity up to 16.0–17.0 mag in the visual. Some important data from Gaia DR2 and supplementary spectra from the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory 2.6-m and LAMOST telescopes are presented.

Revised and Updated Catalogue of the First Byurakan Survey Late-Type Stars. 2nd Edition

Eighteen lists of late-type stars (LTSs) have been published between 1990 and 2016. These LTSs have been found in the low-dispersion spectroscopic plates of the First Byurakan Survey (FBS). The systematic search and selection was carried out on a surface _16000 deg2 on almost the whole area of the FBS. As a result, \Revised And Updated Catalogue Of The First Byurakan Survey Of Late-Type Stars" was generated (LTSs, _rst version). Since 2007, all FBS low-resolution spectral plates are digitized, and Digitized First Byurakan Survey (DFBS) database and second catalog of objects has been assembled. All DFBS spectral plates are analysed with the help of standard image analysis softwares (FITSView and SAO Image ds9) and numerous of comparatively faint LTSs were discovered. We present the 2nd version of the FBS catalogue of LTSs with new data. We have made cross-correlation with the Digitized First Byurakan Survey (DFBS), the United State Naval Observatory-B1.0 Catalogue, the Two Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS), the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (new version-ALLWISE) catalogue, the Infrared Astronomical Satellite Point Source Catalogue/Faint Source Catalogue, the AKARI catalogue, the ROSAT Bright Source Catalogue/Faint Source Catalogue, the General Catalogue of Variable Stars, Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) photometric catalogue. We have added updated IMBAD data for the objects. For numerous of the new detected objects we present accurate Digitized Sky Survey 2 positions, approximate spectral subtypes refined from the DFBS low-dispersion spectra, luminosity classes estimated from 2MASS colours, and available proper motions for 1471 FBS LTSs. 2nd Version of the Revised and Updated Catalogue lists a large number of completely new objects, which promise to extend very significantly the census of M giants, faint N-type Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) carbon stars, CH {type carbon giants at high Galactic latitudes, also M dwarfs in the vicinity of the Sun up to 16.0-17.0 mag. in visual. We present also some important data from the Gaia DR2 data base for FBS LTSs. Some supplementary spectra obtained with the Byurakan Observatory 2.6 m telescope and LAMOST telescope are shown.

Observations and Light Curve Solutions of Ultrashort-Period Eclipsing Binaries

AbstractPhotometric observations in V and I bands and low-dispersion spectra of 10 ultrashort-period binaries (NSVS 2175434, NSVS 2607629, NSVS 5038135, NSVS 8040227, NSVS 9747584, NSVS 4876238, ASAS 071829-0336.7, SWASP 074658.62+224448.5, NSVS 2729229, NSVS 10632802) are presented. One of them, NSVS 2729229, is newly discovered target. The results from modelling and analysis of our observations revealed that (i) eight targets have overcontact configurations with considerable fill-out factor (up to 0.5), while NSVS 4876238 and ASAS 0718-03 have almost contact configurations; (ii) NSVS 4876238 is rare ultrashort-period binary of detached type; (iii) all stellar components are late dwarfs; (iv) the temperature difference of the components of each target does not exceed 400 K; (v) NSVS 2175434 and SWASP 074658.62 + 224448.5 exhibit total eclipses and their parameters could be assumed as well determined; (v) NSVS 2729229 shows emission in the Hα line. Masses, radii, and luminosities of the stellar components were estimated by the empirical relation ‘period, orbital axis’ for short- and ultrashort-period binaries. We found linear relations mass–luminosity and mass–radius for the stellar components of our targets.

Multiwavelength Search and Studies of Active Galaxies and Quasars

The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO) has always been one of the centres for surveys and studies of active galaxies. Here we review our search and studies of active galaxies during last 30 years using various wavelength ranges, as well as some recent related works. These projects since late 1980s were focused on multiwavelength search and studies of AGN and Starbursts (SB). 1103 blue stellar objects (BSOs) on the basis of their UV-excess were selected using Markarian Survey (First Byurakan Survey, FBS) plates and Markarian’s criteria used for the galaxies. Among many blue stars, QSOs and Seyfert galaxies were found by follow-up observations. 1577 IRAS point sources were optically identified using FBS lowdispersion spectra and many AGN, SB and high-luminosity IR galaxies (LIRG/ULIRG) were discovered. 32 extremely high IR/opt flux ratio galaxies were studies with Spitzer. 2791 ROSAT FSC sources were optically identified using Hamburg Quasar Survey (HQS) lowdispersion spectra and many AGN were discovered by follow-up observations. Fine analysis of emission line spectra was carried out using spectral line decomposition software to establish true profiles and calculate physical parameters for the emitting regions, as well as to study the spectral variability of these objects. X-ray and radio selection criteria were used to find new AGN and variable objects for further studies. We have estimated AGN content of X-ray sources as 52.9%. We have also combined IRAS PSC and FSC catalogs and compiled its extragalactic sample, which allowed us to estimate AGN content among IR sources as 23.7%. Multiwavelength approach allowed revealing many new AGN and SB and obtaining a number of interesting relations using their observational characteristics and physical properties.

Photometric followup investigations on LAMOST survey target Ly And

We present a low-dispersion spectrum and two sets of CCD photometric light curves of the eclipsing binary LY And for the first time. The spectrum of LY And was classified as G2. We derived an updated ephemeris based on all previously available and our newly acquired minimum light times. Our analyses of LY And light curve minimum times reveals that the differences between calculated and observed minimum times for LY And can be represented by an upward parabolic curve, which means its orbital period is increasing with a rate of 1.88 ( ± 0.13) × 10−7 days/year. This increase in orbital period may be interpreted as mass transfer from the primary component to the secondary component, with a rate of dM1/dt = −4.54 × 10−8M⊙/year. By analyzing our CCD photometric light curves obtained in 2015, we obtained its photometric solution with the Wilson-Devinney program. This photometric solution also fits very well our light curves obtained in 2014. Our photometric solution shows that LY And is a contact eclipsing binary and its contact factor is f = (17.8 ± 1.9)%. Furthermore, both our spectroscopic and photometric data show no obvious chromospheric activity of LY And.