B. E. Helt

V907 Scorpii: A Remarkable Binary Star Whose Eclipses Turn On and Off and On and Off

V907 Scorpii, near the open cluster M7, and possibly a member, is unique among all known eclipsing binary stars because its eclipses have turned on and off twice within modern history. By using all available photometric and spectroscopic data, we have discovered that it is at least a triple star and possibly a quadruple star system consisting of a visual binary with a very long orbital period, the brighter member of which is itself the triple star. The triple star contains an eclipsing binary star (B9.5 V) with an orbital period of 3.78 days and a faint, distant companion (late K, or perhaps a white dwarf) with an orbital period of 99.3 days around the center of mass of the triple star system. Radial velocity measurements allow the masses to be estimated. Because the orbital planes of the eclipsing binary and its triple companion are not coplanar, the orbital plane of the eclipsing binary shows nodal regression with a period of 68 yr. For about one-third of this time, the close binary is eclipsing; the rest of the time the inclination is too small for eclipses to occur. The earliest observations of the system in the year 1899 show eclipses; the eclipses stopped about 1918, started again about 1963, and stopped again in about 1986. We predict that the eclipses should start occurring once again in the year 2030 ± 5.

Absolute dimensions of eclipsing binaries - XXVIII. BK Pegasi and other F-type binaries: Prospects for calibration of convective core overshoot

We present a detailed study of the F-type detached eclipsing binary BK Peg, based on new photometric and spectroscopic observations. The two components, which have evolved to the upper half of the main-sequence band, are quite different with masses and radii of (1.414 +/- 0.007 Msun, 1.988 +/- 0.008 Rsun) and (1.257 +/- 0.005 Msun, 1.474 +/- 0.017 Rsun), respectively. The 5.49 day period orbit of BK Peg is slightly eccentric (e = 0.053). The measured rotational velocities are 16.6 +/- 0.2 (primary) and 13.4 +/- 0.2 (secondary) km/s. For the secondary component this corresponds to (pseudo)synchronous rotation, whereas the primary component seems to rotate at a slightly lower rate. We derive an iron abundance of [Fe/H] =-0.12 +/- 0.07 and similar abundances for Si, Ca, Sc, Ti, Cr and Ni. Yonsei-Yale and Victoria-Regina evolutionary models for the observed metal abundance reproduce BK Peg at ages of 2.75 and 2.50 Gyr, respectively, but tend to predict a lower age for the more massive primary component than for the secondary. We find the same age trend for three other upper main-sequence systems in a sample of well studied eclipsing binaries with components in the 1.15-1.70 Msun range, where convective core overshoot is gradually ramped up in the models. We also find that the Yonsei-Yale models systematically predict higher ages than the Victoria-Regina models. The sample includes BW Aqr, and as a supplement we have determined a [Fe/H] abundance of -0.07 +/- 0.11 for this late F-type binary. We propose to use BK Peg, BW Aqr, and other well-studied 1.15-1.70 Msun eclipsing binaries to fine-tune convective core overshoot, diffusion, and possibly other ingredients of modern theoretical evolutionary models.

Absolute dimensions of solar-type eclipsing binaries. - I.

We present complete uvby light curves of 9 recently discovered eclipsing binaries having late F, G, and K type components within or near the main-sequence band. They are the rst results from a long term program carried out since 1994 at the Stromgren Automatic Telescope at ESO, La Silla. The aim is to provide the accurate absolute dimensions for solar-type stars needed for critical tests of the corresponding theoretical models. A serious dilemma appears to be present in the comparison of predictions from current stellar models with fundamental properties of known 0:7 1:1 M eclipsing binaries (Popper 1997b, Clausen et al. 1999b). Spectroscopic observations of the 9 eclipsing binaries are either available or are being obtained, and detailed analyses of the individual systems will be published in a series of subsequent papers. The light curves were obtained as part of a systematic search for new eclipsing systems among a large sample of (mostly) spectroscopic binaries. Catalogues of the extensive uvby and photometry from this search will be published separately.

\mathit{uvby}

Context. Recent studies of inactive and active solar-type binaries suggest that chromospheric activity, and its effect on envelope convection, is likely to cause significant radius and temperature discrepancies. Accurate mass, radius, and abundance determinations from additional solar-type binaries exhibiting various levels of activity are needed for a better insight into the structure and evolution of these stars. Aims. We aim to determine absolute dimensions and abundances for the G0 V detached eclipsing binary EW Ori, and to perform a detailed comparison with results from recent stellar evolutionary models. Methods. uvby light curves and uvbyβ standard photometry were obtained with the Stromgren Automatic Telescope, published radial velocity observations from the CORAVEL spectrometer were reanalysed, and high-resolution spectra were observed at the FEROS spectrograph; all are/were ESO, La Silla facilities. State-of-the-art methods were applied for the photometric and spectroscopic analyses. Results. Masses and radii that are precise to 0.9% and 0.5%, respectively, have been established for both components of EW Ori.

light curves for HS Aqr, KX Aqr, AL Ari, V963 Cen, MR Del, NY Hya, DU Leo, UW LMi, and V358 Pup

Aims. In order to increase the limited number of B-stars with accurately known dimensions, and also the number of well studied eclipsing binaries in open clusters, we have undertaken observations and studies of four southern double-lined eclipsing B-type binaries; DWCar, BF Cen, ACVel, and NSV 5783. Methods. Complete uvby light curves were observed between January 1982 and April 1991 at the Danish 0.5 m telescope at ESO La Silla, since 1985 known as the Stromgren Automatic Telescope (SAT). Standard indices for the systems and the comparison stars,as well as additional minima observations for ACVel, have been obtained later at SAT. For DWCar and ACVel, high-resolution spectra for definitive spectroscopic orbits have also been obtained; they are presented as part of the detailed analyses of these systems. A few spectra of NSV 5783 are included in the present paper. Results. For all four systems, the first modern accurate light curves have been established. DWCar is a detached system consisting of two nearly identical components. It is member of the young open cluster Cr228. A detailed analysis, based on the new light curves and 29 high-resolution spectra, is published separately. BFCen is semidetached and is member of NGC 3766. Modern spectra are needed for a detailed study. ACVel is a detached system with at least one more star. A full analysis, based on the new light curves and 18 high-resolution spectra, is published separately. NSV 5783 is discovered to be an eclipsing binary consisting of two well-detached components in an 11-day period eccentric (e = 0.18) orbit. Secondary eclipse is practically total. From the light curves and a few high-resolution spectra, accurate photometric elements and preliminary absolute dimensions have been determined. The quite similar components have masses of about 5 M and radii of about 3.5 R, and they seem to have evolved just slightly off the ZAMS. The measured rotational velocities (≈150 km s−1) are about 6 times those corresponding to pseudosynchronization.