Observations of an Eclipse of Bright Star b Persei by the Third Star in February 2013 (Abstract)

Volume 41 number 2 (2013)

Donald F. Collins

138 College View Drive, Swannanoa, NC 28778; dcollins@warren-wilson.edu

Abstract

(Abstract only) b Persei (SAO 24531 = HD 26961, V ~4.52) is a multiple star system consisting of a close ellipsoidal binary with a 1.5-day period and a third star with a 702-day orbit. b Per is a non-thermal radio source, and the evolutionary stage of the close binary is unclear. It may be a non-eclipsing Algol or a precursor to the Algol stage. Observations with the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer showed that the third star has a nearly edge-on orbit about the close binary. Based on this orbit an eclipse of the close binary by the third star was predicted for late January 2013. A call for observations - especially those with equipment to observe bright stars instrumentally - was made via the AAVSO. With the "back yard" convenience of a DSLR camera on a fixed tripod, DFC obtained an observation of the V magnitude of b Persei nearly every clear night in January-February 2013. The DSLR clearly detected the expected eclipse with a drop in of 0.12 V on JD 2456329 and JD 2456330 (Feb 5-6, 2013 and Feb 6-7, 2013). The eclipse was also detected by other AAVSO observers extending to JD 2456331 inclusive. The estimated duration of the eclipse (FWHM) is 2.0 ± 0.3 d. The DSLR also detects the 1.53-day orbital period of the A and B components of b Persei - a variation of 0.05 V magnitude due to the non-eclipsing ellipsoidal star shapes. A concerted campaign should recruit many AAVSO observers to detect the next predicted eclipses in mid-January 2014 (secondary) and early January 2015 (primary) assuming a 702-day cycle. Future photometric observations may aid the understanding of the evolutionary stage of the close binary.