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W. Van Hamme (Florida International University), R. M. Branly (Broward Community College)
We present new BVRI light curves of the overcontact binary W~Corvi obtained in March, 2003, with the Buehler Observatory 0.4-m telescope located on the Davie (Florida) campus of Broward Community College, and in May-June, 2003, with the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy (SARA) 0.9-m telescope located at Kitt Peak National Observatory. We combine the new observations with previously observed light and velocity data to determine system parameters and absolute dimensions. Variable light curve asymmetries are modeled with changing starspot configurations. We argue that W~Corvi is an overcontact system. Light curves are strongly affected by a large bright spot near the connecting neck on the less massive star, and by a smaller dark spot on the companion. We are able to determine a unique set of binary parameters and absolute dimensions, with epoch-to-epoch light curve changes fully explained by variations in spot parameters. We also discuss W~Corvi's period behavior during the past 45 years, both according to eclipse timings, and according to our generalized light and velocity solutions that include ephemeris parameters.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 35#5
© 2003. The American Astronomical Soceity.