Eclipsing Binaries with Possible Light-Time Effect

TL;DR

This study investigates period variations in six eclipsing binaries, focusing on the light-time effect to infer unseen companions, and explores additional causes like magnetic activity or additional bodies for observed variability.

Contribution

It applies the least squares method to analyze light-time effects and proposes hypotheses for secondary variability in eclipsing binaries.

Findings

Detected potential third bodies in several systems.

Suggested possible fourth bodies or magnetic activity as causes of residual variability.

Provided parameters for unseen companions based on light-time effect analysis.

Abstract

The period changes of six eclipsing binaries have been studied with focus on the light-time effect. With the least squares method we also calculated parameters of such an effect and properties of the unresolved body in these systems. With these results we discussed the probability of presence of such bodies in the systems with respect to possible confirmation by another method. In two systems we also suggested the hypothesis of fourth body or magnetic activity for explanation of the "second-order variability" after subtraction of the light-time effect of the third body.