Investigation of near-contact semi-detached binary W UMi through observations and evolutionary models

TL;DR

This study combines new multi-color light curves and radial velocity data with evolutionary models to analyze the semi-detached binary W UMi, revealing its physical parameters, period variations, and evolutionary status.

Contribution

It provides detailed astrophysical parameters and evolutionary insights for W UMi using combined observational data and advanced binary evolution models.

Findings

Mass and radius of both stars determined precisely.

Detected cyclic and secular period variations.

System is metal-rich and may reach contact phase soon.

Abstract

W UMi is a near contact, semi-detached, double-lined eclipsing binary star with an orbital period of 1.7 days. Simultaneous analysis of new BVR multi-color light curves and radial velocity data yields the main astrophysical parameters of the binary and its component stars. We determined mass and radius to be M$_{1}$=3.22$\pm$0.08 M$_{\odot}$, R$_{1}$=3.63$\pm$0.04 R$_{\odot}$ for the primary star and M$_{2}$=1.44$\pm$0.05 M$_{\odot}$, R$_{2}$=3.09$\pm$0.03 R$_{\odot}$ for the secondary star. Based on analysis of mid-eclipse times, variation in the orbital period is represented by a cyclic term and a downward parabola. Mass loss from the system is suggested for a secular decrease (-0.02 s yr$^{-1}$) in the period. Both the mechanisms of a hypothetical tertiary star orbiting around W UMi and the surface magnetic activity of the less massive cooler companion were used to interpret periodic changes. Observational parameters were found to be consistent with binary stellar evolution models produced in the non-conservative approach of MESA at a higher metallicity than the Sun and an age of about 400 Myr for the system. Evidence that the system is rich in metal was obtained from spectral and kinematic analysis as well as evolution models. W UMi, a high mass ratio system compared to classical semi-detached binaries, is an important example since it is estimated from binary evolutionary models that the system may reach its contact phase in a short time interval.