The Light and Period Variations of the Eclipsing Binary AA Ursae Majoris

TL;DR

This study presents new multiband CCD photometry and analyzes the orbital period variations of the eclipsing binary AA UMa, revealing a continuous period increase and a possible light-time effect caused by an unseen companion or magnetic activity.

Contribution

First multiband CCD light curves for AA UMa are analyzed, revealing period variations and potential causes, including a third body or magnetic activity.

Findings

Detected a continuous orbital period increase.

Identified a periodic oscillation consistent with a third body.

Suggested magnetic activity as an alternative explanation.

Abstract

We present new multiband CCD photometry for AA UMa made on 8 nights between January and March 2009; the $R$ light curves are the first ever compiled. Historical light curves, as well as ours, display partial eclipses and inverse O'Connell effects with Max I fainter than Max II. Among possible spot models, a cool spot on either of the component stars and its variability with time permit good light-curve representations for the system. A total of 194 eclipse timings over 81 yrs, including our five timings, were used for ephemeris computations. We found that the orbital period of the system has varied due to a periodic oscillation overlaid on an upward parabolic variation. The continuous period increase at a fractional rate of $+$1.3$\times$10$^{-10}$ is consistent with that calculated from the W-D code and can be interpreted as a thermal mass transfer from the less to the more massive secondary star at a rate of 6.6$\times$10$^{-8}$ M$_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$. The periodic component is in satisfactory accord with a light-time effect due to an unseen companion with a period of 28.2 yrs, a semi-amplitude of 0.007 d, and a minimum mass of $M_3 \sin i_3$=0.25 $M_\odot$ but this period variation could also arise from magnetic activity.