arXiv subjects

Petr Zasche

Publications and source records attributed to Petr Zasche.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Not so typical doubly eclipsing systems

Classical doubly eclipsing systems are stars for which two distinct eclipsing periods that apparently come from one point source are detected. Through thorough analysis, the physical parameters of the component stars of these systems can be revealed, and sometimes even the mutual motion of the two doubles around a common barycentre can be constrained. This is most typically done via study of the eclipse-timing variations for both pairs, whose behaviour should be opposite in manner to each other, as the two doubles revolve around a common barycentre. In this study, we present rather unusual systems for which such an easy approach does not work. The period changes are clearly detectable, but only for one pair. These unusual systems are V736 And (periods 0.3596 days and 0.3069 days); ASAS J074939-3037.0 (0.4417 d, 0.2648 d); OGLE BLG-ECL-123507 (1.0170 d, 2.9488 d); ASASSN-V J180818.54-684329.4 (0.3392 d, 3.3234 d); and CRTS J191726.4-543540 (0.3129 d, 2.8178 d). Several hypotheses are presented regarding the possible origins of such behaviour. However, a final decisive explanation is still yet to be determined.

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arXiv2026

TIC 433545934: The first 2+2 type doubly eclipsing binary with extra, mutual eclipses

In this work we identify and photodynamically analyze TIC 433545934, the very first doubly eclipsing 2+2-type quadruple stellar system, which shows outer eclipses, too. One such outer eclipse was discovered with TESS, which triggered a special interest in this system. Most of the data for this study come from TESS observations, but we also obtained supplemental ground-based photometric measurements for this quadruple system. The eclipse timing variation curves extracted from the TESS and ground-based follow-up data, the photometric light curves, and the spectral energy distribution are combined in a complex photodynamical analysis to yield the stellar and orbital parameters of this dynamically interesting system. The periods of the two inner, eclipsing binaries were found to be $P_A=2.07$d and $P_B=1.41$d, while the outer period is $P_{AB}=224.5$d. The outer period alone makes this system the fifth most compact known 2+2-type quadruple. Moreover, what really makes TIC 433545934 unique is that TESS observed a triple-dipped extra eclipsing event when the stars of binary B eclipsed the two components of binary A. We identified similar extra eclipsing events in the archival, ground-based data of ASAS-SN and ATLAS, as well. We found, however, that these extra events occur only once during an outer revolution, that is, binary A does not eclipse the stars of binary B. This is in accord with our finding that the outer eccentricity is quite high, being $e_{AB}=0.62$. Our analysis reveals that binary A consists of two quite similar, but slightly evolved late A-type stars ($q_A=0.92$), while in the case of binary B, the primary star, whose mass is between the masses of the two stars of binary A, is quite dominant, with $q_B=0.60$. The system was found to be substantially flat, with mutual inclination angles below $\approx2\degr$.

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arXiv2026

K 1-6 is a photoionised ISM nebula shaped by a fast-moving hot white dwarf in a triple system

K 1-6 has long been classified as a planetary nebula (PN) hosting a binary central star, yet it has remained poorly studied due to its faintness. The central star exhibits pronounced photometric variability whose origin has so far been unclear. We aim to present a comprehensive characterisation of the K 1-6 system, including the physical properties of its stellar components and the nature of the surrounding nebulosity. We conducted a multi-wavelength analysis combining optical and UV spectroscopy obtained with the Gran Telescopio Canarias, the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo, the Nordic Optical Telescope, and the Hubble Space Telescope. We also present long-term multi-band ground- and space-based photometry, including high-cadence data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, narrow-band imaging, and the latest astrometric constraints from Gaia. Our results show that the nebula is not a remnant PN, but instead consists of interstellar medium photoionised by a hot white dwarf, which is relatively evolved. It has a cooling age of 1-2 Myr, implying that any original PN has long since dissipated. We further find that the central object is a hierarchical triple system, comprising an inner binary with an orbital period likely of the order of thousands of days and a distant tertiary companion on a timescale of tens of thousands of years. The optically dominant cool component of the inner binary is an inflated K-type star displaying extreme magnetic activity, including large-amplitude variability and flaring. Its properties resemble those of BY Dra-type binaries and Abell 35-type systems, and are difficult to reconcile with single-star evolution, pointing instead to a history of binary interaction.

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arXiv2026

TESS light curves and surface activity in two low-mass eclipsing binaries: NSVS 01031772 and 2MASS J04100497+2931023

The VRIC light curves were regularly measured for two eclipsing binaries, NSVS 01031772 and 2MASS J04100497+2931023 as part of our long-term observational project to study low-mass eclipsing binaries with a short orbital period and surface activity. The solution of the TESS light curves in PHOEBE results in a detached configuration. Absolute parameters of all components were improved: for N103: M1 = 0.5475 +/- 0.0035 M\sun, R1 = 0.5297 +/- 0.0035 R\sun, M2 = 0.5038 +/- 0.0040 M\sun, R2 = 0.5217 +/- 0.0035 R\sun, for 2M0410: M1 = 0.639 +/- 0.045 M\sun, R1 = 0.655 +/- 0.035 R\sun, M2 = 0.609 +/- 0.045 M\sun, R2 = 0.631 +/- 0.035 R\sun, where the temperatures of the primary components were adopted according to previous studies. The spectral type of the primary components was confirmed to be M4 and K5, and the mass ratio was derived as q = 0.920 +/- 0.003 or 0.952 +/- 0.010, respectively. We propose the presence of a third body in these systems: in the case of N103, a companion with a minimal mass of 50 MJup, orbiting the eclipsing pair with a period of about 19 years, and in 2M0410 a third body with a minimal mass of about 0.1 M\sun and a short orbital period of about 2.1 years. For N103, the hierarchical structure (2+1)+1 of a possible quadruple system was tested, but its stability was not proven. The characteristics and statistics of the flare events and dark regions on the surface of the components were estimated on the basis of the TESS and our own data. For N103, a mean frequency of flares of one per 40 hours was determined. In the case of 2M0410, practically no flares were detected.

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arXiv2026

Refined reduction and standardisation of 53 years of UBV photometry at Hvar

Emission-line stars classified as Be exhibit light and colour variability on various timescales, ranging from days to decades. Their evolution must be constrained by long-term observations that are accurately calibrated and stable. Here, we provide a new reduction of photoelectric UBV observations obtained at the Hvar observatory, spanning more than 50 years. This unique dataset is highly complementary to TESS. We used new, non-linear reduction equations, with temporally variable extinction over the course of the night, which allowed us to achieve long-term accuracy of 0.008 to 0.016 mag (1-sig uncertainty), as verified by the Johnson standards. We then classified 59 Be stars into five classes, based on their variability patterns; namely, long-term envelope (LTE), long-term cyclic (LTC), binarity (BIN), rapid low-amplitude (RLA), and long-term quiescence (LTQ). According to our observations, the percentages of stars in the individual classes are 44%, 24%, 25%, 66%, and 19%, respectively. The stars in the sample often exhibited more than one pattern. We confirm that the LTE-positive variability is more common than the inverse (20 vs 6); in addition, two stars exhibited both types (zeta Tau and V1294 Aql). According to our observations, the LTC variability and the LTE-positive variability are almost mutually exclusive. Among 26 binary systems, circular orbits are more common than eccentric ones (18 vs 8). As for the brightness variations between different quiescent phases, an increasing trend is less common than a decreasing one (4 vs 7), spanning from -6.5 to +6.0 mmag/yr. Our observations provide well-calibrated UBV light curves spanning several decades, offering a valuable dataset for investigations of Be-star variability and tests of various models, including the viscous decretion disc model. Continuous monitoring is important for beta Lyr, EW Lac, delta Sco, gamma Cas, and V1294 Aql.

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arXiv2026

A Detailed Study of the Physical and Orbital Characteristics, and Eclipse Timing Variations of the Post Common Envelope Binary DD CrB

We present an in-depth analysis of the eclipsing binary DD CrB, composed of a B-type subdwarf primary and an M-type main-sequence secondary, with the main goal of investigating its eclipse timing variations (ETVs). Our new multi-color photometric observations, radial velocity measurements, and precise eclipse timings from TESS allow us to constrain the system parameters. The Romer delay between primary and secondary minima yields a mass ratio of $q = 0.299 \pm 0.009$, enabling robust simultaneous modeling of the light and radial velocity curves with {\sc phoebe} 2.17. By fixing the albedo of the secondary to its maximum physically plausible value (A$_2 = 1.0$), despite the degeneracy between albedo, surface temperature, and radius, we obtained a satisfactory fit, resulting in a significantly lower temperature ($T_2 \sim 2360$ K) and a radius ($R_2 \sim 0.16$ R$_\odot$) in agreement with literature values. Using the total mass of the components and the orbital size derived from this modeling, we interpret the ETVs and find them best explained by a Jupiter-mass tertiary companion on a $\sim13$-year orbit in all competing models, while the eccentric (e $\sim0.46$) models perform better in terms of fit statistics.

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arXiv2026

Apsidal motion and TESS light curves of two southern eclipsing binaries with high eccentricity: V1647 Sgr and V2283 Sgr

The study of apsidal motion rates in eccentric eclipsing binaries provides an important observational test of theoretical models of stellar structure and evolution. Precise physical parameters of the stellar components together with systematic measurements of the periastron advance are needed. We present new results of our long-term observational project to analyze the apsidal motion in early-type eccentric eclipsing binaries. New ground and space-based photometric data were obtained, and archival spectroscopic measurements were used in this study of two detached southern-hemisphere eclipsing binaries: V1647 Sgr (P=3.28 d, e=0.41), and V2283 Sgr (3.47, 0.49). Their TESS observations in four sectors have also been included and the corresponding light curves were solved using the Phoebe code. The newly completed O-C diagrams were analyzed using all reliable timings found in the literature and calculated using the TESS light curves. New or improved values were obtained for the elements of apsidal motion. Using archival spectroscopy for V1647 Sgr, the precise absolute parameters were improved: M1 = 2.184(0.035) M$_\odot$, M2 = 1.957(0.035) M$_\odot$, and R1 = 1.839(0.015) R$_\odot$, R2 = 1.716(0.015) R$_\odot$. For V2283 Sgr the absolute dimensions were newly estimated: M1 = 2.178(0.10) M$_\odot$, M2 = 1.547(0.10) M$_\odot$, and R1 = 1.796(0.01) R$_\odot$, R2 = 1.544(0.01) R$_\odot$. We improved relatively long periods of apsidal motion of about 580 and 530 years, together with the corresponding internal structure constants, log k2, -2.394, and -2.418, for V1647 Sgr and V2283 Sgr, respectively. The relativistic contribution to apsidal motion is not negligible, making about 12 resp. 14% of the total rate of apsidal motion. No signs of the presence of an additional body were revealed in the light curves or in the O-C diagrams of both eccentric systems.

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arXiv2025

TESS light curves and period changes in low-mass eclipsing binary BB Persei

We present a detailed analysis of the low-mass detached eclipsing binary system BB Persei, which contains two K-type stars in a circular orbit with a short period of 0.4856 d. We used light curves from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, which observed BB Per in five sectors, to determine its photometric properties and a precise orbital ephemeris. The solution of the TESS light curve in Phoebe results in a detached configuration, where the temperature of the primary component was fixed to $T_1 = 5~300$ K according to Lamost, which gives us $T_2 = 5~050 \pm 50$ K for the secondary. The spectral type of the primary component was derived as K0 and the photometric mass ratio was estimated $q = 0.90$. Slow period changes on the current O-C diagram spanning the past 25 years indicate the presence of a third body orbiting the eclipsing pair with an orbital period of about 22 years. The companion could be a red dwarf of spectral type M6 - M7 with a minimal mass of about 0.1 M$_{\odot}$. The characteristics and temporal variation of the dark region on the surface of the secondary component were estimated.

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arXiv2023

BU Canis Minoris -- the Most Compact Known Flat Doubly Eclipsing Quadruple System

We have found that the 2+2 quadruple star system BU CMi is currently the most compact quadruple system known, with an extremely short outer period of only 121 days. The previous record holder was TIC 219006972 (Kostov et al. 2023), with a period of 168 days. The quadruple nature of BU CMi was established by Volkov et al. (2021), but they misidentified the outer period as 6.6 years. BU CMi contains two eclipsing binaries (EBs), each with a period near 3 days, and a substantial eccentricity of about 0.22. All four stars are within about 0.1 solar mass of 2.4 solar masses. Both binaries exhibit dynamically driven apsidal motion with fairly short apsidal periods of about 30 years, thanks to the short outer orbital period. The outer period of 121 days is found both from the dynamical perturbations, with this period imprinted on the eclipse timing variations (ETV) curve of each EB by the other binary, and by modeling the complex line profiles in a collection of spectra. We find that the three orbital planes are all mutually aligned to within 1 degree, but the overall system has an inclination angle near 83.5 degrees. We utilize a complex spectro-photodynamical analysis to compute and tabulate all the interesting stellar and orbital parameters of the system. Finally, we also find an unexpected dynamical perturbation on a timescale of several years whose origin we explore. This latter effect was misinterpreted by Volkov et al. (2021) and led them to conclude that the outer period was 6.6 years rather than the 121 days that we establish here.

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arXiv2022

M31N 1926-07c: A Recurrent Nova in M31 with a 2.8 Year Recurrence Time

The M31 recurrent nova M31N 1926-07c has had five recorded eruptions. Well-sampled light curves of the two most recent outbursts, in January of 2020 (M31N 2020-01b) and September 2022 (M31N 2022-09a), are presented showing that the photometric evolution of the two events were quite similar, with peak magnitudes of $R=17.2\pm0.1$ and $R=17.1\pm0.1$, and $t_2$ times of $9.7\pm0.9$ and $8.1\pm0.5$ days for the 2020 and 2022 eruptions, respectively. After considering the dates of the four most recent eruptions (where the cycle count is believed to be known), a mean recurrence interval of $\langle P_\mathrm{rec}\rangle=2.78\pm0.03$ years is found, establishing that M31N 1926-07c has one of the shortest recurrence times known.

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arXiv2021

TIC 454140642: A Compact, Coplanar, Quadruple-lined Quadruple Star System Consisting of Two Eclipsing Binaries

We report the discovery of a compact, coplanar, quadruply-lined, eclipsing quadruple star system from TESS data, TIC 454140642, also known as TYC 0074-01254-1. The target was first detected in Sector 5 with 30-min cadence in Full-Frame Images and then observed in Sector 32 with 2-min cadence. The light curve exhibits two sets of primary and secondary eclipses with periods of PA = 13.624 days (binary A) and PB = 10.393 days (binary B). Analysis of archival and follow-up data shows clear eclipse-timing variations and divergent radial velocities, indicating dynamical interactions between the two binaries and confirming that they form a gravitationally-bound quadruple system with a 2+2 hierarchy. The Aa+Ab binary, Ba+Bb binary, and A-B system are aligned with respect to each other within a fraction of a degree: the respective mutual orbital inclinations are 0.25 degrees (A vs B), 0.37 degrees (A vs A-B), and 0.47 degrees (B vs A-B). The A-B system has an orbital period of 432 days - the second shortest amongst confirmed quadruple systems - and an orbital eccentricity of 0.3.

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arXiv2021

TIC 168789840: A Sextuply-Eclipsing Sextuple Star System

We report the discovery of a sextuply-eclipsing sextuple star system from TESS data, TIC 168789840, also known as TYC 7037-89-1, the first known sextuple system consisting of three eclipsing binaries. The target was observed in Sectors 4 and 5 during Cycle 1, with lightcurves extracted from TESS Full Frame Image data. It was also previously observed by the WASP survey and ASAS-SN. The system consists of three gravitationally-bound eclipsing binaries in a hierarchical structure of an inner quadruple system with an outer binary subsystem. Follow-up observations from several different observatories were conducted as a means of determining additional parameters. The system was resolved by speckle interferometry with a 0."42 separation between the inner quadruple and outer binary, inferring an estimated outer period of ~2 kyr. It was determined that the fainter of the two resolved components is an 8.217 day eclipsing binary, which orbits the inner quadruple that contains two eclipsing binaries with periods of 1.570 days and 1.306 days. MCMC analysis of the stellar parameters has shown that the three binaries of TIC 168789840 are "triplets", as each binary is quite similar to the others in terms of mass, radius, and Teff. As a consequence of its rare composition, structure, and orientation, this object can provide important new insight into the formation, dynamics, and evolution of multiple star systems. Future observations could reveal if the intermediate and outer orbital planes are all aligned with the planes of the three inner eclipsing binaries.

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arXiv2017

CzeV - The Czech Variable Star Catalogue

We present the first release of the Czech Variable star catalogue that currently contains 1228 stars whose variability was discovered by 60 Czech observers. The catalogue contains confirmed variable stars of various types, but also candidates. We give precise coordinates, cross identification with other catalogues, information about constellation, variability type, brightness, light elements, name of the discoverer and year of discovery. In eighty-eight percent of stars the variability type is estimated, for more than 60 % of the stars the light ephemerides are given.

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arXiv2017

Photometric study of fourteen low-mass binaries

New CCD photometric observations of fourteen short-period low-mass eclipsing binaries (LMB) in the photometric filters I, R and V were used for the light curve analysis. There still exists a discrepancy between radii as observed and those derived from the theoretical modelling for LMB in general. Mass calibration of all observed LMB was done using only the photometric indices. The light curve modelling of these selected systems were performed, yielding the new derived masses and radii for both components. We compared these systems with the compilation of other known double-lined LMB systems with uncertainties of masses and radii less then 5 \%, which includes 66 components of binaries where both spectroscopy and photometry were combined together. All of our systems are circular short-period binaries, and for some of them the photospheric spots were also used. A purely photometric study of the light curves without spectroscopy seems unable to achieve high enough precision and accuracy in the masses and radii to provide for a meaningful test of the M-R relation for low-mass stars.

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arXiv2014

A comprehensive study of six Algol type binaries

CCD light curves of the Algol type eclipsing binaries DP Cep, AL Gem, FG Gem, UU Leo, CF Tau and AW Vul were analysed using the Wilson-Deninney code and new geometric and absolute parameters were derived. Due to cyclic apparent orbital period changes of the systems, probably caused by the Light-Time Effect, the contribution of a third light was taken into account in the light curve solution. All the reliable timings of minima found in the literature were used to study the period variations and search for the presence of a tertiary component in the systems. A comparison between the parameters of the third body derived from the light curve and orbital period analyses is also discussed. Moreover, the absolute parameters of the eclipsing binary components were also used to determine their current evolutionary state.

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arXiv2014

Survey for δ Sct components in eclipsing binaries and new correlations between pulsation frequency and fundamental stellar characteristics

CCD observations of 68 eclipsing binary systems, candidates for containing δ Scuti components, were obtained. Their light curves are analysed using the PERIOD04 software for possible pulsational behaviour. For the systems QY Aql, CZ Aqr, TY Cap, WY Cet, UW Cyg, HL Dra, HZ Dra, AU Lac, CL Lyn and IO UMa, complete light curves were observed due to the detection of a pulsating component. All of them, except QY Aql and IO UMa, are analysed with modern astronomical softwares in order to determine their geometrical and pulsational characteristics. Spectroscopic observations of WY Cet and UW Cyg were used to estimate the spectral class of their primary components, while for HZ Dra radial velocities of its primary were measured. O - C diagram analysis was performed for the cases showing peculiar orbital period variations, namely CZ Aqr, TY Cap, WY Cet and UW Cyg, with the aim of obtaining a comprehensive picture of these systems. An updated catalogue of 74 close binaries including a δ Scuti companion is presented. Moreover, a connection between orbital and pulsation periods, as well as a correlation between evolutionary status and dominant pulsation frequency for these systems, is discussed.

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arXiv2007

Eclipsing Binaries Showing Light Time Effect

Four eclipsing binaries, which show apparent changes of period, have been studied with respect to a possible presence of the light time effect. With a least squares method we calculated new light elements of these systems, the mass function of the predicted third body, and its minimum mass. We discuss the probability of the presence of such bodies in terms of mass function, changes in radial velocity and third light in solution of light curves.

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