An investigation of GSC 02038-00293, a suspected RS CVn star, using CCD photometry

TL;DR

This study uses CCD photometry to analyze GSC 02038-00293, confirming its classification as a short-period RS CVn binary with a 0.4955-day cycle, and investigates its star spot activity and reddening effects.

Contribution

First detailed CCD photometric analysis of GSC 02038-00293 confirming its orbital period and star spot activity cycle.

Findings

Orbital period of 0.4955 days consistent with previous data

Star spot activity cycle is approximately six years

Detected reddening at both minima

Abstract

We present the results of differential, time series photometry for GSC 02038-00293, a suspected RS CVn binary, using data collected with the Open University's PIRATE robotic telescope located at the Observatori Astronomic de Mallorca between 10 May and 13 June 2010. A full orbital period cycle in the V band and partial cycle of B and R bands were obtained for GSC 02038-00293 showing an orbital period of 0.4955 +/- 0.0001 days. This period is in close agreement with that of previously published values but significantly different to that found by the All Sky Automated Survey of 0.330973 days. We suggest GSC 02038-00293 is a short period eclipsing RS CVn star and from our data alone we calculate an ephemeris of JD 2455327.614 + 0.4955(1) x E. We also find that the previously observed six to eight year cycle of star spot activity which accounts for the behaviour of the secondary minimum is closer to six years and that there is detectable reddening at both minima.