The Problem of the W-Type Light Curves of W Ursae Majoris
Abstract
Proposals to explain the W-type light curves of W UMa are discussed, and observational data are found to be inconsistent with an explanation of the curves in terms of starspots preferentially located on the primary component. The Rucinski (1983) hot-secondary model produces a reasonably close fit to most of the previously published UBVRI data, consistent with the existence of an enthalpy gradient between components of W UMa and the photosphere, though it fails to fit the ANS data of Eaton et al. (1980) in the FUV. The observed transition to a marginally A-type light curve at 2200 A can be explained by a UV excess on the primary component.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- May 1987
- DOI:
- 10.1086/165208
- Bibcode:
- 1987ApJ...316..389L
- Keywords:
-
- Eclipsing Binary Stars;
- Light Curve;
- Photosphere;
- Starspots;
- Stellar Models;
- Limb Darkening;
- Stellar Gravitation;
- Stellar Spectrophotometry;
- Ubv Spectra;
- Ultraviolet Radiation;
- Astrophysics;
- STARS: ECLIPSING BINARIES;
- STARS: W URSAE MAJORIS