RZ Comae - A W-Type Overcontact Eclipsing Binary}

Nelson, R.H. and Alton, K.B. (2019) RZ Comae - A W-Type Overcontact Eclipsing Binary}. Information Bulletin on Variable Stars, 63 (6266). ISSN 1587-2440

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Abstract

RZ Com (GSC 1990-2841) is a short period (P = 0.3385 d) W UMa-type binary system, type-W, which has had, over the years, two spectroscopic and numerous light curve studies. The various mass determinations show a large scatter. Here we present the results of new light curve and radial velocity observations, and a fresh analysis by the Wilson-Devinney 2003 code. We have been able to obtain a unified model for photometric five datasets, each used one or more filters. The main model parameters such as mass ratio, temperature, potential, and inclination were in close agreement, as were derived quantities such as mass, stellar radius, etc. Only the spot parameters differed, as one might expect. Further, we determined a distance estimate, r = 204 +- 5 pc, in good agreement with the Gaia value of r = 203.1 +- 3.7 pc. We also presented four new eclipse timings, performed a renewed period analysis attaining a LiTE fit. With that we determined a rate of intrinsic period change dP/dt = 3.86(2) x 10^-8 days/year, and - assuming conservative processes - a rate of mass exchange dm_1/ dt = -4.1(3) x 10^-8 Msun/year which means that the less massive star is losing mass to its companion.

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