A Photometric Study of the Eclipsing Binary Star PY Boötis

Volume 44 number 2 (2016)

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Edward J. Michaels

Stephen F. Austin State University, Department of Physics and Astronomy, P.O. Box 13044, Nacogdoches, TX 75962; emichaels@sfasu.edu

Abstract

Presented here are the first precision multi-band CCD photometry of the eclipsing binary star PY Boötis. Best-fit stellar models were determined by analyzing the light curves with the Wilson-Devinney program. Asymmetries in the light curves were interpreted as resulting from magnetic activity which required spots to be included in the model. The resulting model is consistent with a W-type contact eclipsing binary having total eclipses.