GEOS RR Lyr Survey: Blazhko Period Measurement of Three RRab Stars - CX Lyrae, NU Aurigae and VY Corona Borealis

TL;DR

This study measures the Blazhko periods of three RR Lyrae stars with strong effects, providing new period data and analyzing the phase relationships of their light curve variations.

Contribution

First-time determination of Blazhko periods for NU Aur and VY CrB, and improved period measurement for CX Lyr, enhancing understanding of their modulation characteristics.

Findings

NU Aur Blazhko period: 114.8 days

VY CrB Blazhko period: 32.3 days

CX Lyr Blazhko period: 68.3 days

Abstract

We present the results of collaborative observations of three RR Lyrae stars (CX Lyr, NU Aur and VY CrB) which have a strong Blazhko effect. This work has been initiated and performed in the framework of the GEOS RR Lyr Survey (Groupe Europ\'een d'Observations Stellaires). From the measured light curves, we have determined the times and the magnitudes at maximum. The times of maxima have been compared to ephemerides to obtain the (O-C) values and from a period analysis of these (O-C) values, the Blazhko period is derived. The Blazhko periods of NU Aur (114.8 days) and VY CrB (32.3 days) are reported here for the first time and a more accurate period for CX Lyr (68.3 days) has been obtained. The three stars are subject to strong Blazhko effect, but this effect has different characteristics for each of them. When we compare the variations of magnitude at maximum and variations of (O-C) values with respect to the Blazhko phase, these variations are either in phase, in opposition, or even in quadrature.