3 research outputs found
BL Eridani: An unstable W Ursae Majoris system with spotted components
New complete BV light curves of BL Eri are presented. Light-curve
variability and asymmetry are seen in both B and V bands, and the observed
times of light minimum indicate period changes. The light curves have been
analyzed by using the light-curve-synthesis method. Our photometric solution
reveals that BL Eri is a contact binary with a common convective envelope.
An examination of the available photometric and spectroscopic data indicates
that the light-curve variability may be due to changes of the component radii
and the light-curve asymmetry may be consistent with starspot activity on one
or both components