Investigating the properties of the near contact binary system TW CrB

Details Investigating the properties of the near contact binary system TW CrB Investigating the properties of the near contact binary system TW CrB

2012-04-12

arxiv.org/abs/1204.2783v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Solar and Stellar Astrophysics

15 pages, 11 figures and 6 tables. To be published in the BAA Journal

Scientific paper

TW Coronae Borealis (TW CrB) is a binary system likely to be active showing evidence of starspots and a hotspot. We calculated a new ephemeris based on all available timings from 1946 and find the period to be 0.58887492(2) days. We have revised the average rate of change of period down from 1.54(16) x 10-7 days yr-1 to 6.66(14) x10-8 days yr-1. Based on light curve simulation analysis we conclude that the two stars are close to filling their Roche lobes, or possibly that one of the stars' Roche lobe has been filled. The modelling also led to a hotspot and two starspots being identified. Conservative mass transfer is one of a number of possible mechanisms considered that could explain the change in period, but the mass transfer rate would be significantly lower than previous estimates. We found evidence that suggests the period was changing in a cyclical manner, but we do not have sufficient data to make a judgement on the mechanism causing this variation. The existence of a hotspot suggests mass transfer with a corresponding increase in the amplitude in the B band as compared with the R and V bands. The chromospheric activity implied by the starspots make this binary a very likely X-ray source.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Investigating the properties of the near contact binary system TW CrB does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Investigating the properties of the near contact binary system TW CrB, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Investigating the properties of the near contact binary system TW CrB will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-313130