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We report a cyclic variation of the O − C diagram with a semiamplitude of 0.0033 days and a period of 1.05 yr for the pulsating eclipsing binary HZ Dra. The cyclic variation can be explained by the light travel-time effect via the presence of a close-in third body orbiting around HZ Dra in an elliptical orbit with a maximum semimajor axis of 0.89 au. Based on the Wilson–Devinney code, the contribution of the third light to the total system is determined to be 29.0%, which is in agreement with the estimated value. Our light-curve modeling indicates an evolving hot and cool spot on the surface of the primary and secondary components, respectively. Their positions are roughly symmetrical to the inner Lagrangian point L1, which could be used to explain the variation in the O'Connell effect. Our frequency analysis detects one radial p-mode, seven nonradial p-modes, and one nonradial g-mode. In addition, a total of six multiplets are identified, spaced by the orbital frequency, which can be explained as a tidally split mode caused by the equilibrium tides of the close binary system with a circular orbit. These pulsating features suggest that the primary of HZ Dra is a δ Scuti star, pulsating in both p- and g-mode and influenced by tidal forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The massive semidetached binary with a long-term decreasing orbital period may involve a rapid mass-transfer phase in Case A, and thus, they are good astrophysical laboratories for investigating the evolution of massive binary stars. In this work, by using the long-term observational light curves from the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment project and other data in the low-metallicity Large Magellanic Cloud, four semidetached massive binaries with long-term decreases in the orbital periods are detected from 165 EB-type close binaries. It is found that the more massive component in S07798 is filling its Roche lobe, where the period decrease is caused by mass transfer from the primary to the secondary. However, the other three (S03065, S12631, S16873) are semidetached binaries with a lobe-filling secondary where the mass transfer between the components should cause the period to increase if the angular momentum is conservative. The long-term period decreases in these three systems may be caused by angular momentum loss. Additionally, the orbital periods of three systems (S03065, S07798, S16873) are detected to show cyclic variation with periods shorter than 11 yr, which can be plausibly explained by the presence of close-in third bodies in these massive binaries. Based on all of these results, it is suggested that the detected four semidetached binaries almost have multiplicity. The companion stars are crucial for the origin and evolution of these massive close binaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyze the light variation of KIC 8840638 using high-precision time-series data from the Kepler mission. The analysis reveals that this target is a new detached eclipsing binary system with a δ Scuti component, rather than a single δ Scuti star as previously known. The frequency analysis of short-cadence data reveals 95 significant frequencies, most of which lie in a frequency range of 23−32 day−1. Among them, seven independent frequencies are detected in the typical frequency range of δ Scuti stars, and they are identified as pressure modes. In addition, a possible large separation value of Δ ν = 36.5 ± 0.1 μ Hz is also detected with the Fourier transform (FT) and autocorrelation function (AC) analysis. The orbital frequency f orb (= 0.320008 day−1) and its harmonics are also detected directly in the frequency spectrum. The binary modelings derived from PHOEBE indicate that this binary system is in detached configurations with a mass ratio of q = 0.33 − 0.04 + 0.06 , an inclination angle of 40.19 − 2.84 + 3.96 ​​​​​°. The derived parameters and binary evolutionary model suggest that the primary star is an object on the verge of leaving the main sequence with a temperature of ∼7600 K, while the secondary appears to be a cool component entering the giant branch with a temperature ∼3100 K lower than the primary. Moreover, this system may have undergone a mass ratio reversal, where the more massive star is the gainer component and the less massive one is the donor star. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GZ And is a variable star within the visually observed multiple-star system ADS 1693. Recent observations have yielded new light curves for GZ And, obtained using the Xinglong 85-cm telescope and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) satellite. These light curves, along with radial velocity curves, were analyzed simultaneously to ascertain the fundamental physical parameters of GZ And's components. The findings indicate that the primary star has a mass of M1 = 0.57(4)M0, radius of R1 = 0.75(2)R0, and luminosity of L1 = 0.42(2)L0. The secondary star is characterized by a mass of M2 = 1.19(9)M0, radius of R2 = 1.04(3)R0, and luminosity of L2 = 0.63(3)L0. Their orbital separation is determined to be a = 2.30(6)R0. An analysis of the accumulated times of light minima reveals that GZ And is undergoing orbital period variations at a rate of dP/dt = -7.58(7) χ 10-8day·year"1, likely due to mass transfer from the more massive component to its lighter counterpart at a rate of dM2/dt = -9.06(8) χ 10-8M0 ·year"1. Additionally, distance measurements for the component stars in ADS 1693, derived from Gaia DR3 astrometric data, suggest that ADS 1693A (GZ And) and ADS 1693B are gravitationally bound and likely originated from the same molecular cloud, sharing similar ages. This evidence supports the classification of GZ And as a W UMa-type contact binary within a physically associated triple system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiband photometric investigations for eight binary systems of the W Ursae Majoris-type are presented. Six systems are presented for the first time to analyze their light curves. All the analyzed systems have a temperature below 5000 K and an orbital period of less than 0.28 days. We extracted primary and secondary minima from the ground-based observations of these systems. According to a few observations reported in the literature, linear fits were considered in the O − C diagrams, and new ephemerides were presented. Light curve solutions were performed using the PHysics Of Eclipsing BinariEs code. The results of the mass ratio and fillout factor indicate that the systems are contact binary stars. Six of them showed the O'Connell effect, and a cold starspot on each companion was required for light curve solutions. Their absolute parameters were estimated and evaluated by two other methods. In this study, the empirical relationship between the orbital period and semimajor axis was updated using a sample consisting of 414 contact binary systems and the Monte Carlo Markov Chain approach. Also, using Machine Learning and the Artificial Neural Network model, the relationship between P – T 1– M 1 was updated for a better estimation of the mass of the primary star. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GZ And is a variable star within the visually observed multiple-star system ADS 1693. Recent observations have yielded new light curves for GZ And, obtained using the Xinglong 85-cm telescope and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) satellite. These light curves, along with radial velocity curves, were analyzed simultaneously to ascertain the fundamental physical parameters of GZ And’s components. The findings indicate that the primary star has a mass of M1 = 0.57 (4)M⊙, radius of R1 = 0.75 (2)R⊙, and luminosity of L1 = 0.42 (2)L⊙. The secondary star is characterized by a mass of M2 = 1.19 (9)M⊙, radius of R2 = 1.04 (3)R⊙, and luminosity of L2 = 0.63 (3)L⊙. Their orbital separation is determined to be a = 2.30 (6)R⊙. An analysis of the accumulated times of light minima reveals that GZ And is undergoing orbital period variations at a rate of dP/dt = −7.58 (7) × 10−8day ⋅ year−1, likely due to mass transfer from the more massive component to its lighter counterpart at a rate of dM2/dt = −9.06 (8) × 10−8M⊙⋅ year−1. Additionally, distance measurements for the component stars in ADS 1693, derived from Gaia DR3 astrometric data, suggest that ADS 1693A (GZ And) and ADS 1693B are gravitationally bound and likely originated from the same molecular cloud, sharing similar ages. This evidence supports the classification of GZ And as a W UMa-type contact binary within a physically associated triple system.

We present photodynamical models of four eclipsing binary systems that show strong evidence of being members of higher-order multiple systems via their strong eclipse timing variations and/or via the presence of extra eclipse events. Three of these systems are from the main Kepler mission, and the other is from the K2 mission. We provide some ground-based radial velocities measurements for the three Kepler systems and make use of recent light curves from the TESS mission. Our sample consists of two 2 + 1 systems and two 2 + 2 systems. The first 2 + 1 system, KIC 7668648, consists of an eclipsing binary ( P bin = 27.8 days) with late-type stars ( M 1 = 0.8403 ± 0.0090 M ⊙ , R 1 = 1.0066 ± 0.0036 R ⊙ and M 2 = 0.8000 ± 0.0085 M ⊙ , R 2 = 0.8779 ± 0.0032 R ⊙ ) with a low-mass star ( M 3 = 0.2750 ± 0.0029 M ⊙ , R 3 = 0.2874 ± 0.0010 R ⊙ ) on a roughly coplanar outer orbit ( P 3 = 208 days). There are several eclipse events involving the third star that allow for the precise determination of the system parameters. The second 2 + 1 system, KIC 10319590, consists of a binary ( P bin = 21.3 days) with late-type stars ( M 1 = 1.108 ± 0.043 M ⊙ , R 1 = 1.590 ± 0.019 R ⊙ and M 2 = 0.743 ± 0.023 M ⊙ , R 2 = 0.7180 ± 0.0086 R ⊙ ) that stopped eclipsing about a third of the way into the nominal Kepler mission. We show here that the third star in this system is a Sun-like star ( M 3 = 1.049 ± 0.038 M ⊙ , R 3 = 1.39 ± 0.11 R ⊙ ) on an inclined outer orbit ( P 3 = 456 days). In this case, there are no extra eclipse events. We present the first comprehensive solution for KIC 5255552 and demonstrate that it is a 2 + 2 system consisting of an eclipsing binary ( P bin , 1 = 32.5 days) with late-type stars ( M 1 = 0.950 ± 0.018 M ⊙ , R 1 = 0.9284 ± 0.0063 R ⊙ and M 2 = 0.745 ± 0.014 M ⊙ , R 2 = 0.6891 ± 0.0051 R ⊙ ) paired with a non-eclipsing binary ( P bin , 2 = 33.7 days) with somewhat lower-mass stars ( M 3 = 0.483 ± 0.010 M ⊙ , R 3 = 0.4640 ± 0.0036 R ⊙ and M 4 = 0.507 ± 0.010 M ⊙ , R 4 = 0.4749 ± 0.0031 R ⊙ ). The two binaries, which have nearly coplanar orbits, orbit their common barycenter on a roughly aligned outer orbit ( P out = 878 days). There are extra eclipse events involving the component stars of the non-eclipsing binary, which leads to relatively small uncertainties in the system parameters. The second 2 + 2 system, EPIC 220204960, consists of a pair of eclipsing binaries ( P bin , 2 = 13.3 days, P bin , 2 = 14.4 days) that both consist of two low-mass stars ( M 1 = 0.54 M ⊙ , R 1 = 0.46 R ⊙ , M 2 = 0.46 M ⊙ , R 2 = 0.37 R ⊙ and M 3 = 0.38 M ⊙ , R 3 = 0.40 R ⊙ , M 4 = 0.38 M ⊙ , R 4 = 0.37 R ⊙ ) that orbit their common barycenter on a poorly determined outer orbit. Because of the relatively short time span of the observations (≈80 days for the photometry and ≈70 days for the radial velocity measurements), the masses and radii of the four stars in EPIC 220204960 can only be determined with accuracies of ≈10% and ≈5%, respectively. We show that the most likely period of the outer orbit is 957 days, with a 1 σ range of 595 to 1674 days. We can only place weak constraints on the mutual inclinations of the orbital planes, and additional radial velocity measurements and/or additional eclipse observations would allow for much tighter constraints on the properties of the outer orbit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EBLM project aims to characterise very-low-mass stars that are companions to solar-type stars in eclipsing binaries. We describe the history and motivation for this project, the methodology we use to obtain the precise mass, radius, and effective temperature estimates for very-low-mass M dwarfs, and review the results of the EBLM study and those from related projects. We show that radius inflation in fully convective stars is a more subtle effect than what was previously thought based on less precise measurements, i.e., the mass–radius–effective temperature relations we observe for fully convective stars in single-line eclipsing binaries show reasonable agreement with the theoretical models, particularly if we account for the M-dwarf metallicity, as inferred from the analysis of the primary star spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the discovery of Swift J010902.6-723710, a rare eclipsing Be/X-ray Binary system by the Swift SMC Survey (S-CUBED). Swift J010902.6-723710 was discovered via weekly S-CUBED monitoring observations when it was observed to enter a state of X-ray outburst on 2023 October 10. X-ray emission was found to be modulated by a 182 s period. Optical spectroscopy is used to confirm the presence of a highly inclined circumstellar disk surrounding a B0-0.5Ve optical companion. Historical UV and IR photometry is then used to identify strong eclipse-like features reoccurring in both light curves with a 60.623 day period, which is adopted as the orbital period of the system. Eclipsing behavior is found to be the result of a large accretion disk surrounding the neutron star. Eclipses are produced when the disk passes in front of the OBe companion, blocking light from both the stellar surface and circumstellar disk. This is only the third Be/X-ray binary to have confirmed eclipses. We note that this rare behavior provides an important opportunity to constrain the physical parameters of a Be/X-ray binary with greater accuracy than is possible in noneclipsing systems.

Planets orbiting binary stars—circumbinary planets—play a paramount role in our understanding of planetary and stellar formation and evolution, dynamical interactions in many-body systems, and the potential for habitable environments beyond the Solar System. Each new discovery holds immense value and inherent fascination both for the astronomical community and for the general public. This is perhaps best demonstrated by the 1500+ citations of the discovery papers for the 14 known transiting circumbinary planets and the dozens of related press-releases in major news outlets. This article reviews the observational and theoretical aspects related to the detection and confirmation of transiting circumbinary planets around main-sequence binaries from space-based surveys, discusses the associated challenges, and highlights some of the recent results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first detailed photometric and spectroscopic study of G-type short-period binary NY Boo is presented. The radial velocity curve was obtained by the cross-correlation function (CCF) method based on LAMOST and SDSS spectra, which derived its mass ratio as q = 0.139(1/7.2). The CCF profiles of the SDSS spectra clearly show the existence of a cool third component, which is supported by the results of the orbital period investigation. The period study based on the O-C analysis indicates that besides a long-term decrease, the orbital period has a periodic oscillation due to the light-travel time effect caused by a third body. When the third light contribution is consistent with the CCF results, the orbit of the third body and the inner pair are non-coplanar with m 3 = 0.31 M ⊙. Combining with the TESS light curves, it is found that the target is a deep and low-mass-ratio contact binary (DLMRCB) with a fill-out factor of f = 73%. The notable asymmetry in light curves was detected and explained by the spot model very well. The spectroscopic profiles, the cyclic variation in the O-C diagram, and the radial velocity curve and light-curve solutions all suggest that NY Boo is a hierarchical triple system with a cool tertiary component orbiting around an active DLMRCB. With the orbital period shrinking, the binary may eventually merge. The period of NY Boo decreases faster than other shrinking DLMRCB, together with active inner pair and non-coplanar tertiary component, making NY Boo an important target for studying the late evolution of binaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis methods for light and radial velocity curves are currently one of the main tools for studying close binary systems (CBSs). The paper gives a brief review of the history and development of the methods and their implementations in Sternberg Astronomical Institute of Moscow State University (SAI MSU), where a set of computer programs has been created to analyze observations of CBSs of various types. As a demonstration, we present the results of the analysis by our algorithms for three interesting CBSs at different evolutionary stages. An analysis of the unusual light curves of the recently discovered pre-cataclysmic binary GPX-TF16E-48 was performed using the Roche model with spots on the normal star. The X-ray light curves of the microquasar SS433 were analyzed using a precessing accretion disk model. The highly elliptical Wolf‒Rayet binary WR22 was studied in the frame of the Roche model accounting for the absorption by the powerful wind of the Wolf–Rayet star using space-based photometric observations. As a result of this detailed analysis of the light curves and involving spectroscopic information, the parameters of the CBSs and their components were found. This paper is based on a presentation made in the astrophysical memorial seminar "Novelties in Understanding the Evolution of Binary Stars", dedicated to the 90th anniversary of Professor M.A. Svechnikov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study massive binaries in different evolution stages or environments, we use the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) as our target because the metallicity in the SMC is much lower than that in our Milky Way. The period change of early-type close binary systems in the SMC was studied based on OGLE collections. Six of these systems are found to have periodic period changes. Since all of them are of early type, the light-traveltime effect probably created by these massive binaries with third bodies is used to explain such a phenomenon. We use the Wilson–Devinney code (WD method) to analyze their I -band photometric light curves. The results show the six third bodies as having orbital periods from 6.41–24.65 yr and minimum masses from 0.31–4.11 M ⊙. Among all six systems, three have a negative |$\dot{P}$|⁠ , which means that their periods keep decreasing. In addition, from the WD result, we find there are three deep-contact binaries, one intermediate-contact binary, and two shallow-contact binaries. The fraction of companions in massive contact binaries is quite high based on this sample, which may demonstrate the notion of high multiplicity in massive binary stars. This might mean that additional components may play an important role in the evolution of massive close binaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using high-resolution spectra from the Tillinghast Reflector Echelle Spectrograph and photometry from sector 56 of the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, we report that the nearby M dwarf G 68-34 is a double-lined eclipsing binary. The pair is spin–orbit synchronized with a period of 0.655 days. The light curve shows significant spot modulation with a larger photometric amplitude than that of the grazing eclipses. We perform a joint fit to the spectroscopic and photometric data, obtaining masses of 0.3280 ± 0.0034 M ⊙ and 0.3207 ± 0.0036 M ⊙ and radii of 0.345 ± 0.014 R ⊙ and 0.342 ± 0.014 R ⊙ after marginalizing over unknowns in the starspot distribution. This system adds to the small but growing population of fully convective M dwarfs with precisely measured masses and radii that can be used to test models of stellar structure. The pair also has a white-dwarf primary at 9″ separation, with the system known to be older than 5 Gyr from the white-dwarf cooling age. The binarity of G 68–34 confirms our hypothesis from Pass et al.: in that work, we noted that G 68-34 was both rapidly rotating and old, highly unusual given our understanding of the spin-down of M dwarfs, and that a close binary companion may be responsible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A star's rotation rate is difficult to estimate without surface inhomogeneities such as dark or bright spots. This paper presents asteroseismic results to determine the rotation rates of δ Sct-type pulsating primary stars in two eclipsing binary systems, AB Cas and OO Dra. After removing the binarity-induced light variations from archival TESS data and carefully examining the combination frequencies, we identified 12 independent frequencies for AB Cas and 11 frequencies for OO Dra, with amplitudes higher than ∼0.3 mmag, as δ Sct-type pulsation frequencies excited in each primary star. The theoretical frequencies for seismic analysis were obtained by fully considering rotation effects. Grid fitting for various stellar properties, such as mass, radius, metallicity, and rotation rate, yielded the best solutions for which the theoretical frequencies and stellar parameters agreed well with the observations. The rotation rate of the AB Cas primary was tightly constrained to 0.81 ± 0.01 day−1 (f rot/ f orb = 1.11 − 0.02 + 0.01 ), which is slightly faster than the synchronized rotation. In contrast, the rotation rate of 0.63 ± 0.01 day−1 for the OO Dra primary is lower than the synchronous value of approximately 0.81 day−1. Subsynchronous rotation is uncommon in short-period binaries, and its physical mechanism is not yet well understood. Our results show that asteroseismology can be used to measure the rotation rate of fast-rotating δ Sct stars precisely and thus provide a valuable constraint on rotation–orbit synchronization in close binary systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

JWST, despite not being designed to observe astrophysical phenomena that vary on rapid timescales, can be an unparalleled tool for such studies. If timing systematics can be controlled, JWST will be able to open up the subsecond infrared timescale regime. Rapid time-domain studies, such as lag measurements in accreting compact objects and solar system stellar occultations, require both precise interframe timing and knowing when a time series begins, down to an absolute accuracy significantly below 1 s. In this work, we present two long-duration observations of the deeply eclipsing double white dwarf system ZTF J153932.16+502738.8, which we use as a natural timing calibrator to measure the absolute timing accuracy of JWST's clock. From our two epochs, we measure an average clock accuracy of 0.12 ± 0.06 s, implying that JWST can be used for subsecond time-resolution studies down to the ∼100 ms level, a factor ∼5 improvement upon the prelaunch clock accuracy requirement. We also find an asymmetric eclipse profile in the F322W2 band, which we suggest has a physical origin.

In edge-on and detached binary systems, including a white dwarf (WD) and a main-sequence (MS) star system (or WDMS), when the source star is passing behind the compact companion its light is bent and magnified. Meanwhile, some part of its image’s area is obscured by the WD’s disk. These two effects occur simultaneously, and the observer receives the stellar light magnified and partially obscured due to the finite lens size. We study these effects in different WDMS binary systems numerically using inverse ray-shooting and analytically using approximate relations close to reality. For WDMS systems with long orbital periods ≳300 days and M _WD ≳ 0.2 M _☉ (where M _WD is the mass of the WD), lensing effects dominate the occultations due to finite-lens effects, and for massive WDs with masses higher than solar mass, no occultation happens. The occultations dominate self-lensing signals in systems with low-mass WDs ( M _WD ≲ 0.2 M _☉ ) in close orbits with short orbital periods T ≲ 50 days. The occultation and self-lensing cancel each other out when the WD’s radius equals $\sqrt{2}$ times the Einstein radius, regardless of the source radius, which offers a decreasing relation between the orbital period and WD mass. We evaluate the errors in the maximum deviation in the self-lensing/occultation normalized flux, which is done by using its known analytical relation, and conclude that these errors could be up to 0.002, 0.08, and 0.03 when the orbital period is T = 30, 100, and 300 days, respectively. The size of stellar companions in WDMS systems has a twofold manner, decreasing the depth of self-lensing/occultation signals but enlarging their width.

A fraction of Galactic stars have compact companions that could be white dwarfs (WDs), neutron stars (NSs), or stellar-mass black holes (SBHs). In a detached and edge-on binary system including a main-sequence star and a compact object (denoted by WD main-sequence (WDMS), NS main-sequence (NSMS), and SBH main-sequence (BHMS) systems), the stellar brightness can change periodically due to self-lensing or eclipsing features. The shape of a self-lensing signal is a degenerate function of stellar radius and the compact object’s mass because the self-lensing peak strongly depends on the projected source radius normalized to the Einstein radius. Increasing the inclination angle i changes the self-lensing shape from a strict top-hat model to one with slowly increasing edges. We simulate stellar light curves due to these binary systems that are observed by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) telescope and evaluate the efficiencies to detect their periodic signatures using two sets of criteria: (i) signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) >3 and N _tran > 1 (low confidence, LC), and (ii) SNR >5 and N _tran > 2 (high confidence, HC). The HC efficiencies for detecting WDMS, NSMS, and BHMS systems with the inclination angle i < 20° during different time spans are 5%–7%, 4.5%–6%, and 4%–5%, respectively. Detecting lensing-induced features is possible in only ≲3% and ≲33% of detectable WDMS and NSMS events. The detection efficiencies for closer source stars with higher priorities are higher and drop to zero for b ≳ R _⋆ , where $b\simeq \tan (i)a$ is the impact parameter ( a is the semimajor axis). We predict the numbers of WDs, NSs, and SBHs that are discovered from the TESS Candidate Target List stars are 15–18, 6–7, and

We report a cyclic variation of the O − C diagram with a semiamplitude of 0.0033 days and a period of 1.05 yr for the pulsating eclipsing binary HZ Dra. The cyclic variation can be explained by the light travel-time effect via the presence of a close-in third body orbiting around HZ Dra in an elliptical orbit with a maximum semimajor axis of 0.89 au. Based on the Wilson–Devinney code, the contribution of the third light to the total system is determined to be 29.0%, which is in agreement with the estimated value. Our light-curve modeling indicates an evolving hot and cool spot on the surface of the primary and secondary components, respectively. Their positions are roughly symmetrical to the inner Lagrangian point L1, which could be used to explain the variation in the O'Connell effect. Our frequency analysis detects one radial p-mode, seven nonradial p-modes, and one nonradial g-mode. In addition, a total of six multiplets are identified, spaced by the orbital frequency, which can be explained as a tidally split mode caused by the equilibrium tides of the close binary system with a circular orbit. These pulsating features suggest that the primary of HZ Dra is a δ Scuti star, pulsating in both p- and g-mode and influenced by tidal forces.

This paper selected eight totally eclipsing contact binaries for photometric and spectroscopic studies. Spectral data were analyzed by University of Lyon Spectroscopic analysis Software, and photometric data were analyzed using PHOEBE through Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling. We used two methods to calculate the initial values for running MCMC: one method is a new approach proposed by ourselves to model light curves without spots, while the other method is the genetic algorithm, which can determine physical parameters with spots. The results imply that these eight targets are all contact binary stars with a small mass ratio below 0.25. There are four systems exhibiting the O’Connell effect. By adding a dark spot on the primary component, the ideal fitting can be obtained. Meanwhile, it was found that two systems are shallow contact binaries, while the remaining six are moderate contact binaries. An O − C analysis of the eight eclipsing binary stars revealed that seven of them exhibit long-term changes. Four of them display a long-term decreasing trend in orbital period, while the other three show a long-term increasing trend, and two targets exhibit periodic variations. A decrease in period may be caused by the transfer of matter from the more massive component to the less massive component, while an increase in period may be caused by transfer in the opposite way. The absolute physical parameters, orbital angular momentum, initial masses, and ages of these eight systems were calculated. Additionally, their mass–luminosity and mass–radius distributions were analyzed.

Several hundreds of thousands of eclipsing binaries (EBs) are expected to be detected in the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) full frame images (FFIs). This represents a significant increase in the number of EBs available for eclipse timing variation studies. In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of performing precise eclipse timing of TESS EBs using the FFIs. To this end, we developed a fast, automated method and applied it to a sample of ∼100 EBs selected from the Villanova TESS EB catalog. Our timing analysis resulted in the detection of 10 new triple candidates with outer periods shorter than ∼1300 days. For five of them, we were able to constrain the outer orbit by analyzing independently the short-cadence (SC) and FFI data and to derive the minimum mass of the third body with a precision better than 4% for SC and 11% for FFI data. We then compared the results obtained from the two data sets and found that using the FFI data leads to (1) a degradation of both the accuracy and precision of the tertiary mass determination for the tightest EBs and (2) an overall underestimation of the third component’s mass. However, we stress that our main conclusions on the nature of the detected signals do not depend on which data set is used. This confirms the great potential of TESS FFIs, which will allow us to search for rare objects such as substellar circumbinary companions and compact triple stellar systems.

The massive semidetached binary with a long-term decreasing orbital period may involve a rapid mass-transfer phase in Case A, and thus, they are good astrophysical laboratories for investigating the evolution of massive binary stars. In this work, by using the long-term observational light curves from the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment project and other data in the low-metallicity Large Magellanic Cloud, four semidetached massive binaries with long-term decreases in the orbital periods are detected from 165 EB-type close binaries. It is found that the more massive component in S07798 is filling its Roche lobe, where the period decrease is caused by mass transfer from the primary to the secondary. However, the other three (S03065, S12631, S16873) are semidetached binaries with a lobe-filling secondary where the mass transfer between the components should cause the period to increase if the angular momentum is conservative. The long-term period decreases in these three systems may be caused by angular momentum loss. Additionally, the orbital periods of three systems (S03065, S07798, S16873) are detected to show cyclic variation with periods shorter than 11 yr, which can be plausibly explained by the presence of close-in third bodies in these massive binaries. Based on all of these results, it is suggested that the detected four semidetached binaries almost have multiplicity. The companion stars are crucial for the origin and evolution of these massive close binaries.

Utilizing data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and LAMOST, we present a photometric and spectroscopic investigation of two new K-type low-mass eclipsing binaries, TIC 56913729 and TIC 97729372. Our analysis yields masses and radii for TIC 56913729, M _1 = 0.7822 ± 0.0054 M _⊙ , R _1 = 0.7891 ± 0.0021 R _⊙ , and M _2 = 0.7532 ± 0.0052 M _⊙ , R _2 = 0.7648 ± 0.0021 R _⊙ . For TIC 97729372, the results are M _1 = 0.6410 ± 0.0058 M _⊙ , R _1 = 0.6537 ± 0.0069 R _⊙ and M _2 = 0.6480 ± 0.0058 M _⊙ , R _2 = 0.6418 ± 0.0062 R _⊙ . In addition, by analyzing the out-of-eclipse starspot light variations, the lower limit of starspot coverage varies in different TESS sectors from 2% to 12%. We observed a clear radius inflation in the mass–radius diagram for both stars, when plotted against PARSEC and SPOT isochrones with 1 Gyr. Yet, this apparent discrepancy disappears when the comparison is made with either an older PARSEC isochrone (12 Gyr) or a SPOT isochrone (250 Myr) with high starspot coverage ( F _spot ∼ 85%), which is significantly higher than the typical starspot coverage deduced from light curves. Due to the lack of strong age constraints, we cannot firmly exclude that the observed radius inflation may be the result of a post-main-sequence evolutionary effect, although the spectral and kinematic properties of these stars are hardly compatible with 10–12 Myr old (Pop II) stars. It is more likely that the radius inflation is produced by the strong magnetic activity in these rapidly rotating stars, even if it is impossible to infer the actual total spot coverage, due to the age uncertainties.

This paper presents VARnet, a capable signal-processing model for rapid astronomical time series analysis. VARnet leverages wavelet decomposition, a novel method of Fourier feature extraction via the finite-embedding Fourier transform, and deep learning to detect faint signals in light curves, utilizing the strengths of modern GPUs to achieve submillisecond single-source run time. We apply VARnet to the Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) single-exposure database, which holds nearly 200 billion apparitions over 10.5 yr of infrared sources on the entire sky. This paper devises a pipeline in order to extract variable candidates from the NEOWISE data, serving as a proof of concept for both the efficacy of VARnet and methods for an upcoming variability survey over the entirety of the NEOWISE data set. We implement models and simulations to synthesize unique light curves to train VARnet. In this case, the model achieves an F1 score of 0.91 over a four-class classification scheme on a validation set of real variable sources present in the infrared. With ∼2000 points per light curve on a GPU with 22 GB of VRAM, VARnet produces a per-source processing time of

Detached eclipsing binary (EB) systems are crucial for measuring the physical properties of stars that evolve independently. Large-scale time-domain surveys have released a substantial number of light curves for detached EBs. Utilizing the Physics of Eclipsing Binaries package in conjunction with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods for batch parameter derivation poses significant computational challenges, primarily due to the high computational cost and time demands. Therefore, this paper develops an efficient method based on the neural network model and the stochastic variational inference method (denoted NNSVI) for the rapid derivation of parameters for detached EBs. For studies involving more than three systems, the NNSVI method significantly outperforms techniques that combine MCMC methods in terms of parameter inference speed, making it highly suitable for the batch derivation of large numbers of light curves. We efficiently derived parameters for 34,907 detached EBs, selected from the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment catalog and located in the Galactic bulge, using the NNSVI method. A catalog detailing the parameters of these systems is provided. Additionally, we compared the parameters of two double-lined detached EBs with those from previous studies and found the estimated parameters to be essentially identical.

Three sets of complete multicolor light curves of V694 Peg observed in 2013, 2015, and 2019 were presented and analyzed. Our photometric solutions show that this system was an A-type shallow contact binary in 2013 and 2015 while it converted to a W-type one in 2019. A large cool spot on the component of this binary could explain the conversion, implying the W-type phenomena may be caused by the magnetic activity of the components. We have collected available data on this binary and calculated 505 times of light minimum, which spans 17 yr. The orbital period investigation based on these timings shows there is a long-term period increase at a rate of dP / dt = 4.3(±0.3)×10 ^−9 day yr ^−1 superposed on a periodic variation with a period of 11.81(±0.06) yr. The cyclic orbital variation may be the result of magnetic activity cycles or the existence of a third body. Until now, only eight transformed systems, including V694 Peg, have been reported. Compared with other converting contact systems between A-type and W-type, V694 Peg is recorded as the shortest-period one. All of these converting systems are late-type (later than F7) contact binaries with the O’Connell effect and show cyclic period variation, which indicates that magnetic activity may be the reason for the conversion between the two types of contact binaries. For investigating the nature of A-type and W-type phenomena, the discovery of more converting contact binaries is essential.

In this paper, we analyze the light variation of KIC 8840638 using high-precision time-series data from the Kepler mission. The analysis reveals that this target is a new detached eclipsing binary system with a δ Scuti component, rather than a single δ Scuti star as previously known. The frequency analysis of short-cadence data reveals 95 significant frequencies, most of which lie in a frequency range of 23−32 day ^−1 . Among them, seven independent frequencies are detected in the typical frequency range of δ Scuti stars, and they are identified as pressure modes. In addition, a possible large separation value of Δ ν = 36.5 ± 0.1 μ Hz is also detected with the Fourier transform (FT) and autocorrelation function (AC) analysis. The orbital frequency f _orb (= 0.320008 day ^−1 ) and its harmonics are also detected directly in the frequency spectrum. The binary modelings derived from PHOEBE indicate that this binary system is in detached configurations with a mass ratio of $q={0.33}_{-0.04}^{+0.06}$ , an inclination angle of ${40.19}_{-2.84}^{+3.96}$ ​​​​​°. The derived parameters and binary evolutionary model suggest that the primary star is an object on the verge of leaving the main sequence with a temperature of ∼7600 K, while the secondary appears to be a cool component entering the giant branch with a temperature ∼3100 K lower than the primary. Moreover, this system may have undergone a mass ratio reversal, where the more massive star is the gainer component and the less massive one is the donor star.

EX Draconis is an eclipsing dwarf nova that shows outbursts with moderate amplitude (≃2 mag) and a recurrence timescale of ≃20–30 days. Dwarf novae outbursts are explained in terms of either a thermal-viscous instability in the disc or an instability in the mass-transfer rate of the donor star (MTIM). We developed simulations of the response of accretion discs to events of enhanced mass transfer, in the context of the MTIM, and applied them to model the light curve and variations in the radius of the EX Dra disc throughout the outburst. We obtain the first modeling of a dwarf nova outburst by using χ ^2 to select, from a grid of simulations, the best-fit parameters to the observed EX Dra outbursts. The observed time evolution of the system brightness and the changes in the radius of the outer disc along the outburst cycle are satisfactorily reproduced by a model of the response of an accretion disc with a viscosity parameter α = 4.0 and a quiescent mass-transfer rate ${\dot{M}}_{2}({\rm{quiescence}})=4.0\times {10}^{16}$ g s ^−1 to an event of width Δ t = 6.0 × 10 ^5 s (∼7 days) where the mass-transfer rate increases to ${\dot{M}}_{2}({\rm{outburst}})=1.5\times {10}^{18}$ g s ^−1 .

The first detailed photometric and spectroscopic analysis of the G-type eclipsing binary KM UMa is presented, which indicates that the system is a short-period detached eclipsing binary. The radial velocity curves were calculated using the cross-correlation function method based on Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope, Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and our observations, which determined the mass ratio as q = 0.45 (±0.04). Based on the light curves from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, other survey data, and our multiband observations, the positive and negative O’Connell effects have been detected evolving gradually and alternately over the last 20 yr, which can be explained by the presence of spots on the primary component. A superflare event was detected in the SuperWASP data on 2007 February 28, further indicating that KM UMa is a very active system. We calculated its energy to be 5 × 10 ^34 erg by assuming it occurred on the primary star. Utilizing hundreds of medium-resolution spectra and one low-resolution spectrum, the equivalent width variations of the H _α line were calculated, indicating the presence of a 5.21 (±0.67) yr magnetic activity cycle. The orbital period variations were analyzed using the O–C method, detecting a long-term decrease superimposed with a periodic variation. The amplitude of the cyclic variation is 0.01124 (±0.00004) day, with a period of 33.66 (±0.0012) yr, which exceeds the 5.21 yr activity cycle, suggesting that this is more likely attributable to the light travel time effect of a third body. Simultaneously, a visual companion has been detected based on the Gaia astrometric data, indicating that KM UMa is actually in a 2+1+1 hierarchical quadruple system.

We have discovered a triply eclipsing triple-star system, TIC 290061484, with the shortest known outer period, P _out , of only 24.5 days. This “eclipses” the previous record set by λ Tauri at 33.02 days, which held for 68 yr. The inner binary, with an orbital period of P _in = 1.8 days, produces primary and secondary eclipses and exhibits prominent eclipse timing variations with the same periodicity as the outer orbit. The tertiary star eclipses, and is eclipsed by, the inner binary with pronounced asymmetric profiles. The inclinations of both orbits evolve on observable timescales such that the third-body eclipses exhibit dramatic depth variations in TESS data. A photodynamical model provides a complete solution for all orbital and physical parameters of the triple system, showing that the three stars have masses of 6.85, 6.11, and 7.90 M _⊙ , radii near those corresponding to the main sequence, and T _eff in the range of 21,000–23,700 K. Remarkably, the model shows that the triple is in fact a subsystem of a hierarchical 2+1+1 quadruple with a distant fourth star. The outermost star has a period of ∼3200 days and a mass comparable to the stars in the inner triple. In ∼20 Myr, all three components of the triple subsystem will merge, undergo a Type II supernova explosion, and leave a single remnant neutron star. At the time of writing, TIC 290061484 is the most compact triple system and one of the tighter known compact triples (i.e., P _out / P _in = 13.7).

Very Large Telescope/UVES spectroscopic and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) photometric observations for WASP 0346-21 allow the direct determination of its physical properties, along with the detection of a circumbinary object and oscillating signals. The high-resolution spectra yielded the radial velocities of all three stars and the atmospheric parameters of T _eff,A = 7225 ± 42 K, [M/H] = 0.30 ± 0.03 dex, and v _A $\sin i$ = 78 ± 5 km s ^−1 of the primary component. The combined analysis of these observations resulted in the fundamental parameters of the eclipsing components and the third light of l _3 = 0.043 ± 0.004, which is consistent with the light contribution of the tertiary star observed in the echelle spectra. WASP 0346-21 A resides within the overlapping main-sequence domain of δ Sct and γ Dor variables, while the secondary component of M _B = 0.185 ± 0.013 M _⊙ , R _B = 0.308 ± 0.023 R _⊙ , T _eff,B = 10,655 ± 146 K, and L _B = 1.09 ± 0.17 L _⊙ matches well with the low-mass white dwarf (WD) model for Z = 0.01, corresponding to the thick disk population classified by the Galactic kinematics. Multifrequency analyses were performed on the residual TESS data after removing the binarity effects. The low frequencies around 26.348 day ^−1 and 17.683 day ^−1 are δ Sct pulsations originating from WASP 0346-21 A, and the high frequencies of 97.996 day ^−1 and 90.460 day ^−1 are considered to be extremely low-mass WD oscillations. These results demonstrate that WASP 0346-21 is a hierarchical triple system, consisting of an EL CVn binary with multiperiodic pulsations in each component and a distant outer tertiary.

Times of minima of eclipsing binary KIC 7023917 show quasiperiodic anti-symmetric deviations from the calculated one with an amplitude of up to 10 minutes and a period of 200–300 days. These changes correlate with the observed variations of the light-curve maxima (amplitude and phase separation). We used photometric data obtained by Kepler and TESS missions to analyze the times of minima and determine system parameters. The phases and amplitudes of the maxima were measured to study the O’Connell effect. As an additional source of information, we performed ground-based multicolor photometric observation and determined the radial velocities of the system from our spectroscopic measurements. We could explain long-term variations of the light-curve shape and times of the eclipses using the cold star spot located on the secondary component and the modification of its size. Based on our modelling, the system consists of a primary main-sequence star of spectral type A7 and an evolved, oversized secondary component with a mass ratio of only 0.1 due to past mass transfer. Calculation of absolute parameters gives us the mass of the primary component about 1.8 M _☉ and 0.2 M _☉ for the secondary one, and radii of 2.2 R _☉ of the primary star and 0.9 R _☉ of secondary one, respectively. The studied low-mass ratio eclipsing binary is probably a progenitor of the variable star of EL CVn type. A multiple-period photometric variability was disclosed in the TESS data ranging from half to two hours due to δ Scuti-type pulsations of the primary component.

In this work we present a model of two young eclipsing binaries in the Orion complex. Both heavily spotted, they present radii and temperatures that are in disagreement with the predictions of standard stellar models. 2M05−06 consists of two stars with different masses (∼0.52 and ∼0.42 M _⊙ ) but with very similar radii (∼0.9 R _⊙ ), and with the less massive star having a highly spotted surface that causes it to have a hotter (unspotted) photosphere than the higher-mass star. The other system, 2M05−00, consists of two stars of very similar masses (∼0.34 M _⊙ ), but very different radii (∼0.7 and ∼1.0 R _⊙ ), which creates an appearance of the two eclipsing stars being noncoeval. 2M05−00 appears to have a tertiary companion that could offer an explanation for the unusual properties of the eclipsing stars, as has been seen in some other young triple systems. Comparing the empirically measured properties of these eclipsing binaries to the predictions of stellar models, both standard and magnetic, we find that only the magnetic models correctly predict the observed relationship between mass and effective temperature. However, standard (nonmagnetic) models better predict the temperatures of the unspotted photospheres. These observations represent an important step in improving our understanding of pre-main-sequence stellar evolution and the roles of spots and tertiaries on fundamental stellar properties.

The detection of O- and B-type stars with extremely low-mass companions is very important for understanding the formation and evolution of binary stars. However, finding them remains a challenge because the low-mass components in such systems contribute such small flux to the total. During our search for pulsations among O- and B-type stars using the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) data, we found two short-period and B-type (B9) eclipsing binaries with orbital periods of 1.61613 and 2.37857 days. Photometric solutions of the two close binaries were derived by analyzing the TESS light curves with the Wilson–Devinney method. It is discovered that both of them are detached binaries with extremely low mass ratios of 0.067(2) for TIC 260342097 and 0.140(3) for TIC 209148631. The determined mass ratio indicates that TIC 260342097 is one of the lowest mass ratios among known B-type binary systems. We showed that the two systems have total eclipses with a broad and flat secondary minimum, suggesting that the photometric parameters could be derived reliably. The absolute parameters of the two binaries are estimated and it is found that the secondary components in the two systems are overluminous and oversize when compared with the normal low-mass and cool main-sequence (MS) stars. These findings may imply that the two systems are composed of a B-type MS primary and a cool pre-MS secondary with orbital periods shorter than 2.5 days. They are valuable targets to test theories of binary star formation and evolution.

In time-domain radio astronomy with arrays, voltages from individual antennas are added together with proper delay and fringe correction to form the beam in real time. In order to achieve the correct phased addition of antenna voltages, one has to also correct for the ionospheric and instrumental gains. Conventionally this is done using observations of a calibrator source located near to the target field. This scheme is suboptimal since it does not correct for the variation of the gains with time and position in the sky. Further, since the ionospheric phase variation is typically most rapid at the longest baselines, the most distant antennas are often excluded while forming the beam. We present here a different methodology (“in-field phasing”), in which the gains are obtained in real-time using a model of the intensity distribution in the target field, which overcomes all of these drawbacks. We present observations with the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) which demonstrates that in-field phasing does lead to a significant improvement in sensitivity. We also show, using observations of the millisecond pulsar J1120−3618 that this in turn leads to a significant improvement of measurements of the Dispersion Measure and Time of Arrival. Finally, we present test observations of the GMRT discovered eclipsing black widow pulsar J1544+4937 showing that in-field phasing leads to improvement in the measurement of the cut-off frequency of the eclipse.

With the continuous development of large optical surveys, a large number of light curves of late-type contact binary systems (CBs) have been released. Deriving parameters for CBs using the the Wilson–Devinney program and the PHOEBE program poses a challenge. Therefore, this study developed a method for rapidly deriving light curves based on the Neural Networks model combined with the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) algorithm (NNHMC). The neural network was employed to establish the mapping relationship between the parameters and the pregenerated light curves by the PHOEBE program, and the HMC algorithm was used to obtain the posterior distribution of the parameters. The NNHMC method was applied to a large contact binary sample from the Catalina Sky Survey, and a total of 19,104 late-type contact binary parameters were derived. Among them, 5172 have an inclination greater than 70° and a temperature difference less than 400 K. The obtained results were compared with the previous studies for 30 CBs, and there was an essentially consistent goodness-of-fit ( R ^2 ) distribution between them. The NNHMC method possesses the capability to simultaneously derive parameters for a vast number of targets. Furthermore, it can provide an extremely efficient tool for the rapid derivation of parameters in future sky surveys involving large samples of CBs.

We estimate the absolute age of the globular cluster NGC 3201 using 10,000 sets of theoretical isochrones constructed through Monte Carlo simulation using the Dartmouth Stellar Evolution Program. These isochrones take into consideration the uncertainty introduced by the choice of stellar evolution parameters. We fit isochrones with three detached eclipsing binaries and obtained an age independent of distance. We also fit isochrones with differential reddening corrected Hubble Space Telescope photometry data utilizing two different Hess diagram-based fitting methods. Results from three different methods analyzing two different types of data agree to within 1 σ , and we find the absolute age of NGC 3201 = 11.85 ± 0.74 Gyr. We also perform a variable importance analysis to study the uncertainty contribution from individual parameters, and we find the distance is the dominant source of uncertainty in photometry-based analysis, while total metallicity, helium abundance, α -element abundance, mixing length, and treatment of helium diffusion are an important source of uncertainties for all three methods.

Low-mass ratio systems (LMR) are a very interesting class of contact eclipsing binaries challenging the theoretical models of stability. These systems are also considered possible progenitors of the rare low-mass optical transients called red novae. In this study, we present the identification of 7 new totally eclipsing LMR systems from Catalina Sky Surveys (CSS) and 77 LMR candidates from the All Sky Automated Survey. Using the available CSS light curves and new multiband observations for CSS_J210228.3-031048 and CSS_J231513.3+345335 with the 2.3 m Aristarchos telescope at Helmos Observatory, we estimate their physical and absolute parameters and investigate their stability and their progenitors. The light curves are analyzed by performing a two-dimensional scan on the mass–ratio inclination plane with Phoebe-0.31 scripter, while the errors are estimated using Monte Carlo simulations and heuristic scanning of the parameter space. Our analysis revealed that all 9 CSS systems have extreme mass ratios from 0.09 to 0.16. Our statistical analysis of well-studied LMR contact binaries shows that LMR systems tend to have warmer and more massive primaries. The investigation of the progenitors of both low and higher-mass-ratio systems reveals a trend for the former to originate from higher-mass ancestors. Finally, we investigate the stability condition by calculating the ratio of spin angular momentum to orbital angular momentum and other stability indicators in the context of the reliability of the solutions.

TOI-1338 is the first circumbinary planet (CBP) system discovered by TESS. It has one transiting planet at P ∼ 95 days and an outer nontransiting planet at P ∼ 215 days complemented by radial velocity (RV) observation. Here we present a global photodynamical modeling of the TOI-1338 system that self-consistently accounts for the mutual gravitational interactions between all known bodies in the system. As a result, the three-dimensional architecture of the system can be established by comparing the model with additional data from TESS Extended Mission and published HARPS/ESPRESSO RV data. We report an inconsistency of binary RV signal between HARPS and ESPRESSO, which could be due to the contamination of the secondary star. According to stability analysis, the RV data via ESPRESSO are preferred. Our results are summarized as follows: (1) The inner transiting planet is extremely coplanar to the binary plane Δ I _b ∼ 0.°12, making it a permanently transiting circumbinary planet at any nodal precession phases; we updated the future transit ephemerides with improved precisions. (2) The outer planet, despite its untransiting nature, is also coplanar with the binary plane by ${\rm{\Delta }}{I}_{c}=9\buildrel{\circ}\over{.} {1}_{-4\buildrel{\circ}\over{.} \,8}^{+6\buildrel{\circ}\over{.} \,0}$ (22° for the 99% upper limit). (3) The inner planet could have an extremely low density of 0.137 ± 0.026 g cm ^−3 . With a TESS magnitude of 11.45, TOI-1338 b is an optimal circumbinary planet CBP for ground-based follow-up and transit spectroscopy.

Based mainly on the months-long 2 minutes time-resolution light curves observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Telescope (TESS) space mission of 48 eclipsing old novae and novalike variables (commonly referred to as NLs) selected from the Ritter & Kolb catalog, a synoptic view of some basic properties of these systems is provided. The supraorbital variations exhibit a large diversity of behavior. Data taken from the literature and many additional eclipse epochs measured in the TESS and in AAVSO light curves are used to update the orbital ephemerides of 21 targets. The large majority of these suffer period variations which defy current theoretical understanding. Orbital waveforms are constructed and, if possible, their variation over time is studied, revealing some common characteristics but also substantial differences between individual systems. The dependence of the eclipse depth on the out-of-eclipse flux reveals that in all systems a fraction of the light source responsible for the out-of-eclipse variations escapes eclipse and is probably located in the outer disk regions. In systems exhibiting superhumps, both eclipse width and epoch are modulated with the accretion disk precession period. This suggests an expansion and contraction of the eclipsed light source, as well as a periodic shift of its light center as a function of the accretion disk precession phase. The dependence of the orbital and superhump waveforms on the disk precession phase is also examined but does not lead to a consistent picture. Two cataclysmic variables are newly identified as eclipsing. Attention is drawn to specific peculiarities in some of the target stars.

New BVR photometric and high-resolution spectroscopic observations of V505 Lac are presented with Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) photometric data. The orbital period has experienced a secular decrease during the past 16 yr. A clear anticorrelation in the primary and secondary eclipse timing variation (PSETV) obtained from the TESS data is also identified. A double-lined radial velocity (RV) curve is secured, and the effective temperatures of the less- and more-massive stars (Stars 1 and 2, respectively) are measured. Using a spectral subtraction technique, excess emissions are detected in the time-series Ca ii H and K and H α lines for Star 2. Simultaneous analysis of the light and RV curves using the Wilson–Devinney (WD) code reveals that V505 Lac is a photospherically and chromospherically active W-subtype contact binary system. The component-star masses and radii are determined to an accuracy of approximately 1%. The WD spot model is individually applied to 221 light curves segmented from the TESS data so as to derive the spot parameters of a cool spot on Star 2. The combined variations in both longitude and colatitude among the spot parameters appear to be strongly associated with those of both the anticorrelation in the PSETV and the O’Connell effect in the TESS light curves. Robust negative linear relationships between the PSETV anticorrelation size and the O’Connell effect magnitude are found for the first time. Mass–radius, mass–luminosity, and mass ratio–mass diagrams of contact binaries, along with the mass ratio frequency distribution, are presented in an attempt to elucidate the evolutionary characteristics of these systems.

We present the results from a complex study of an eclipsing O-type binary (Aa+Ab) with the orbital period of P _A = 3.2254367 days that forms part of a higher-order multiple system in a configuration of (A+B)+C. We derived masses of the Aa+Ab binary of M _1 = 19.02 ± 0.12 and M _2 = 17.50 ± 0.13 M _ ⊙ , the radii of R _1 = 7.70 ± 0.05 and R _2 = 6.64 ± 0.06 R _⊙ , and temperatures of T _1 = 34,250 ± 500 K and T _2 = 33,750 ± 500 K. From the analysis of the radial velocities, we found a spectroscopic orbit of A in the outer A+B system with P _A+B = 195.8 days ( P _A+B / P _A ≈ 61). In the O − C analysis, we confirmed this orbit and found another component orbiting the A+B system with P _AB+C = 2550 days ( P _AB+C / P _A+B ≈ 13). From the total mass of the inner binary and its outer orbit, we estimated the mass of the third object, M _B ≳ 10.7 M _⊙ . From the light travel time effect fit to the O − C data, we obtained the limit for the mass of the fourth component, M _C ≳ 7.3 M _⊙ . These extra components contribute about 20%–30% (increasing with wavelength) to the total system light. From the comparison of model spectra with the multiband photometry, we derived a distance modulus of 18.59 ± 0.06 mag, a reddening of 0.16 ± 0.02 mag, and an R _V of 3.2. This work is part of our ongoing project, which aims to calibrate the surface brightness–color relation for early-type stars.

The combined strength of asteroseismology and empirical stellar basic parameter determinations for in-depth asteroseismic analysis of massive pulsators in eclipsing binaries shows great potential for treating the challenging and mysterious discrepancies between observations and models of stellar structure and the evolution of massive stars. This paper compiles a comprehensive list of massive pulsators in eclipsing binary systems observed with TESS. The TESS light curves and discrete Fourier transforms of a sample of 8055 stars of spectral type B0–B3 were examined for eclipses and stellar pulsations, and the ephemerides of the resulting subsample of massive pulsators in eclipsing binaries were computed. This subsample was also crossmatched with existing catalogs of massive pulsators. Until now, fewer than 30 β Cephei pulsators in eclipsing binaries have been reported in the literature. Here we announce a total of 78 pulsators of the β Cephei type in eclipsing binaries, 59 of which are new discoveries. Forty-three are recognized as definite, and 35 are candidate pulsators. Our sample of pulsating massive stars in eclipsing binaries allows for future asteroseismic modeling to better understand the internal mixing profile and to resolve the mass discrepancy in massive stars. We have already started follow-up work on some of the most interesting candidates.

X-ray emission is an important tracer of stellar magnetic activity. We carried out a systematic correlation analysis for the X-ray luminosity $\mathrm{log}{L}_{{\rm{X}}}$ , bolometric luminosity $\mathrm{log}{L}_{\mathrm{bol}}$ , and X-ray activity level $\mathrm{log}({L}_{{\rm{X}}}$ / L _bol ) versus the binary parameters including orbital period P , Rossby number R _O , effective temperature T _eff , metallicity [Fe/H], the surface gravity $\mathrm{log}g$ , stellar mass M , and radius R , by assembling a large sample of semi-detached (EB-type) binaries with X-ray emission (EBXs). The fact that both $\mathrm{log}{L}_{{\rm{X}}}$ and $\mathrm{log}{L}_{\mathrm{bol}}$ change in accordance with $\mathrm{log}P$ indicates that X-ray emission originates from the convection zone, while $\mathrm{log}{L}_{{\rm{X}}}$ is proportional to the convection zone area. We found that EBXs with main-sequence components exhibit an upward and then a downward trend in both the $\mathrm{log}{T}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ – $\mathrm{log}{L}_{{\rm{X}}}$ and M – $\mathrm{log}{L}_{{\rm{X}}}$ relations, which is different from the monotonically decreasing trend shown by EBXs containing sub-giant and giant components. The magnetic activity level is negatively correlated with $\mathrm{log}{T}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ and stellar mass. Based on the magnetic dynamo model, the variations in the size and thickness of the surface convection zones can explain the observed relations. EBXs with main-sequence components have a similar R _O – $\mathrm{log}({L}_{{\rm{X}}}/{L}_{\mathrm{bol}})$ relationship to that of the binaries in the clusters as Praesepe and Hyade. We compared the X-ray radiation properties of EBXs with those of the X-ray-emitting contact binaries and found that EBXs have broader value ranges for $\mathrm{log}{L}_{{\rm{X}}}$ and $\mathrm{log}({L}_{{\rm{X}}}$ / L _bol ).

V583 Lyr is an extremely low-mass-ratio Algol-type binary with an orbital period of 11.2580 days. We determined an effective temperature of T _eff1 = 9000 ± 350 K from newly observed spectra, which might be an underestimate due to binary mass transfer. The binary mass ratio q = 0.1 ± 0.004 and the orbital inclination i = 85.°5 are determined based on the assumption that the secondary fills its Roche lobe and rotates synchronously. The radial velocity curve is obtained from time series spectra, allowing for improved estimation of stellar masses and radii: M _1 = 3.56 ± 0.5 M _⊙ , R _1 = 2.4 ± 0.2 R _⊙ ; and M _2 = 0.36 ± 0.02 M _⊙ , R _2 = 6.9 ± 0.4 R _⊙ . The variations in the double-peaked H α emission indicate the formation of a stable disk during mass transfer. V583 Lyr appears to be a post-mass-reversal system, according to the mass transfer estimated using O − C period analysis. Its orbital period is slowly increasing, from which the rate of mass accretion by the primary star is estimated to be $\dot{{M}_{1}}=3.384$ × 10 ^−8 M _⊙ yr ^−1 . The pulsation analysis was conducted on the residuals of the light curve. The primary component was found to be a g -mode pulsating star with 26 frequencies extracted lower than 9 day ^−1 . The frequency groups and rotational splitting properties of the g mode were studied in detail. This study provides compelling evidence for an accretion disk surrounding the g -mode pulsating primary.