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EPIC 216747137 is a new HW~Virginis system discovered by the Kepler spacecraft during its K2 "second life". Like the other HW Vir systems, EPIC 216747137 is a post-common-envelope eclipsing binary consisting of a hot subluminous star and a cool low-mass companion. The short orbital period of 3.87 hours produces a strong reflection effect from the secondary (~9% in the R band). Together with AA Dor and V1828 Aql, EPIC 216747137 belongs to a small subgroup of HW Vir systems with a hot evolved sdOB primary. We find the following atmospheric parameters for the hot component: Teff=40400$\pm$1000 K, logg=5.56$\pm$0.06, log(N(He)/N(H))=$-$2.59$\pm$0.05. The sdOB rotational velocity vsini=51$\pm$10 km/s implies that the stellar rotation is slower than the orbital revolution and the system is not synchronized. When we combine photometric and spectroscopic results with the Gaia parallax, the best solution for the system corresponds to a primary with a mass of about 0.62 Msun close to, and likely beyond, the central helium exhaustion, while the cool M-dwarf companion has a mass of about 0.11 Msun., 16 pages, 16 figures, MNRAS, accepted for publication

Close double degenerate binaries are one of the favoured progenitor channels for type Ia supernovae, but it is unclear how many suitable systems there are in the Galaxy. We report results of a large radial velocity survey for double degenerate (DD) binaries using the UVES spectrograph at the ESO VLT (ESO SN Ia Progenitor surveY – SPY). Exposures taken at different epochs are checked for radial velocity shifts indicating close binary systems. We observed 689 targets classified as DA white dwarfs (displaying hydrogen-rich atmospheres), of which 46 were found to possess a cool companion. We measured radial velocities (RV) of the remaining 643 DA white dwarfs. We managed to secure observations at two or more epochs for 625 targets, supplemented by eleven objects meeting our selection criteria from literature. The data reduction and analysis methods applied to the survey data are described in detail. The sample contains 39 double degenerate binaries, only four of which were previously known. Twenty are double-lined systems, in which features from both components are visible, the other 19 are single-lined binaries. We provide absolute RVs transformed to the heliocentric system suitable for kinematic studies. Our sample is large enough to sub-divide by mass: 16 out of 44 low mass targets (≤0.45 M⊙) are detected as DDs, while just 23 of the remaining 567 targets with multiple spectra and mass > 0.45 M⊙are double. The detected fraction amongst the low mass objects (36.4 ± 7.3%) is significantly higher than for the higher-mass, carbon-oxygen core dominated part of the sample (3.9 ± 0.8%), but it is much lower than expected from the detection efficiency for companion masses of 0.05 M⊙or higher and a 100% binary fraction. This suggests either companion stars of with a mass below 0.05 M⊙or some of the low mass white dwarfs are single.

HW Vir systems are rare eclipsing binary systems including a subdwarf B star (sdB) with a faint companion, mostly M-dwarfs. Up to now, 19 HW Vir systems have been published, three of them with substellar companions. We report the spectroscopic as well as photometric observation of the eclipsing sdB binary PTF1 J011339.09+225739.1 (PTF1 J0113) in a close (a=0.722 ± 0.023 R⊙), short period (P = 0.0933731(3)d) orbit. A quantitative spectral analysis of the sdB yields Te.=29280 ± 720 K, log(g)=5.77 ± 0.09 dex, and log(y)=−2.32 ± 0.12. The circular orbital velocity of the sdB of K1=74.2 ± 1.7 km s−1 is derived from the radial velocity curve. Except for the strong reflection effect, no other light contribution of the companion could be detected. The light curves - recorded with ULTRACAM - were analyzed using the Wilson-Devinney code. We find an inclination angle of i=79.88 ± 0.18∘. Because our first attempts to determine q failed, we calculated large grids of synthetic lightcurves for several mass ratios. Because of degeneracy, good solutions for different mass ratios were found - the one at q = 0.24 is consistent with the sdB’s canonical mass (MsdB = 0.47 M⊙). Accordingly, the mass of the companion is M2=0.112 ± 0.003 M⊙. The radii of the two components were also derived: RsdB=0.178 ± 0.006 R⊙ and R2 = 0.158 ± 0.009 R⊙. Thus, the results for the secondary are consistent with an M-dwarf as secondary

Eclipsing post-common-envelope binaries are highly important for resolving the poorly understood, very short-lived common-envelope phase of stellar evolution. Most hot subdwarfs (sdO/Bs) are the bare helium-burning cores of red giants that have lost almost all of their hydrogen envelope. This mass loss is often triggered by common-envelope interactions with close stellar or even substellar companions. Cool companions to hot subdwarf stars such as late-type stars and brown dwarfs are detectable from characteristic light-curve variations – reflection effects and often eclipses. In the recently published catalog of eclipsing binaries in the Galactic Bulge and in the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) survey, we discovered 125 new eclipsing systems showing a reflection effect seen by visual inspection of the light curves and using a machine-learning algorithm, in addition to the 36 systems previously discovered by the Optical Gravitational Lesing Experiment (OGLE) team. The Eclipsing Reflection Effect Binaries from Optical Surveys (EREBOS) project aims at analyzing all newly discovered eclipsing binaries of the HW Vir type (hot subdwarf + close, cool companion) based on a spectroscopic and photometric follow up to derive the mass distribution of the companions, constrain the fraction of substellar companions, and determine the minimum mass needed to strip off the red-giant envelope. To constrain the nature of the primary we derived the absolute magnitude and the reduced proper motion of all our targets with the help of the parallaxes and proper motions measured by the Gaia mission and compared those to the Gaia white-dwarf candidate catalog. It was possible to derive the nature of a subset of our targets, for which observed spectra are available, by measuring the atmospheric parameter of the primary, confirming that less than 10% of our systems are not sdO/Bs with cool companions but are white dwarfs or central stars of planetary nebula. This large sample of eclipsing hot subdwarfs with cool companions allowed us to derive a significant period distribution for hot subdwarfs with cool companions for the first time showing that the period distribution is much broader than previously thought and is ideally suited to finding the lowest-mass companions to hot subdwarf stars. The comparison with related binary populations shows that the period distribution of HW Vir systems is very similar to WD+dM systems and central stars of planetary nebula with cool companions. In the future, several new photometric surveys will be carried out, which will further increase the sample of this project, providing the potential to test many aspects of common-envelope theory and binary evolution.

We announce the discovery of a new eclipsing hot subdwarf B + M dwarf binary, EC 10246-2707, and present multi-colour photometric and spectroscopic observations of this system. Similar to other HW Vir-type binaries, the light curve shows both primary and secondary eclipses, along with a strong reflection effect from the M dwarf; no intrinsic light contribution is detected from the cool companion. The orbital period is 0.1185079936 +/- 0.0000000009 days, or about three hours. Analysis of our time-series spectroscopy reveals a velocity semi-amplitude of K_1 = 71.6 +/- 1.7 km/s for the sdB and best-fitting atmospheric parameters of Teff = 28900 +/- 500 K, log g = 5.64 +/- 0.06, and log[N(He)/N(H)] = -2.5 +/- 0.2. Although we cannot claim a unique solution from modeling the light curve, the best-fitting model has an sdB mass of 0.45 Msun and a cool companion mass of 0.12 Msun. These results are roughly consistent with a canonical-mass sdB and M dwarf separated by a ~ 0.84 Rsun. We find no evidence of pulsations in the light curve and limit the amplitude of rapid photometric oscillations to 7.2 x 10^(-12). If EC 10246-2707 evolves into a cataclysmic variable, its period should fall below the famous CV period gap.

The project Massive Unseen Companions to Hot Faint Underluminous Stars from SDSS (MUCHFUSS) aims at finding hot subdwarf stars with massive compact companions (white dwarfs with masses $M>1.0 {\rm M_{\odot}}$, neutron stars or black holes). The existence of such systems is predicted by binary evolution calculations and some candidate systems have been found. We identified $\simeq1100$ hot subdwarf stars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). Stars with high velocities have been reobserved and individual SDSS spectra have been analysed. About 70 radial velocity variable subdwarfs have been selected as good candidates for follow-up time resolved spectroscopy to derive orbital parameters and photometric follow-up to search for features like eclipses in the light curves. Up to now we found nine close binary sdBs with short orbital periods ranging from $\simeq0.07 {\rm d}$ to $1.5 {\rm d}$. Two of them are eclipsing binaries with companions that are most likely of substellar nature.

UBV measurements of early-type stars, mostly eclipsing binaries, obtained at La Silla in the years 1990 to 1994 with the ESO 50 cm telescope are presented. Most of these data were already used in our individual studies of several binaries. Now all photometric measurements were reduced again with an advanced technique and are made available electronically. Our data for MY Ser have not yet been published; new light curve is given and solved. The result is that MY Ser is a contact binary, with very large fill-out parameter. Also a light curve and its solution for V1051 Cen are provided, and the problem of the period of V871 Cen is pointed out. Besides binaries (and the comparison and check stars) data for several stars in southern H II regions are included. Extinction and transformation coefficients are given (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Context. In spite of the importance of massive O-type stars for astrophysics, their accurate masses and other fundamental properties are still a matter of debate. Determining them reliably is hampered by various factors (stellar winds and other forms of circumstellar matter), and the agreement of derived properties with the model predictions is far from satisfactory. Careful studies of O-type binaries, especially of those in stellar clusters, are therefore desirable. Aims. Having obtained new series of electronic spectra and UBV photometry of V1007 Sco, we analysed these data in an effort to check whether the observed properties of V1007 Sco indeed disagree with the prediction of stellar evolutionary models. We briefly analysed data for a few other binaries in NGC 6231, too. Methods. Spectral reductions were carried out with the MIDAS program, photometry reduced using the HEC22 program, the orbital elements were derived with the FOTEL program and the final solutions obtained with the program PHOEBE. Results. Our analysis led to an accurate determination of the apsidal advance, u ω = (0.00884 ± 0.00012) deg d −1 , based on a simultaneous solution of all usable radial-velocity and photometric data. This implies an apsidal period of 111.5 years. It is also demonstrated that the orbital inclination must be close to 67 ◦ . We arrived at the following preliminary values for masses and radii: M1 = (29.5 ± 0.4) M� , M2 = (30.1 ± 0.4) M� , R1 = (15.8 ± 0.7) R� ,a ndR2 = (15.3 ± 0.5) R� . These values clearly indicate a log g of about 3.5 [CGS], implying that the stars are giants and not supergiants, as the standard spectral classification criteria indicate.

Hot subdwarf B stars (sdBs) are evolved, core helium-burning objects located on the extreme horizontal branch. Their formation history is still puzzling as the sdB progenitors must lose nearly all of their hydrogen envelope during the red-giant phase. About half of the known sdBs are in close binaries with periods from 1.2 h to a few days, a fact that implies they experienced a common-envelope phase. Eclipsing hot subdwarf binaries (also called HW Virginis systems) are rare but important objects for determining fundamental stellar parameters. Even more significant and uncommon are those binaries containing a pulsating sdB, as the mass can be determined independently by asteroseismology. Here we present a first analysis of the eclipsing hot subdwarf binary V2008-1753. The light curve shows a total eclipse, a prominent reflection effect, and low--amplitude pulsations with periods from 150 to 180 s. An analysis of the light-- and radial velocity (RV) curves indicates a mass ratio close to $ q = 0.146$, an RV semi-amplitude of $K=54.6 \,\rm kms^{-1}$, and an inclination of $i=86.8^\circ$. Combining these results with our spectroscopic determination of the surface gravity, $\log \,g = 5.83$, the best--fitting model yields an sdB mass of 0.47$M_{\rm \odot}$ and a companion mass of $69 M_{\rm Jup}$. As the latter mass is below the hydrogen-burning limit, V2008-1753 represents the first HW Vir system known consisting of a pulsating sdB and a brown dwarf companion. Consequently, it holds great potential for better constraining models of sdB binary evolution and asteroseismology., 9 pages, 8 figures, accepted for A&A

We report the discovery of an eclipsing binary -- PTF1 J072456$+$125301-- composed of a subdwarf B (sdB) star ($g'=17.2^m$) with a faint companion. Subdwarf B stars are core helium-burning stars, which can be found on the extreme horizontal branch. About half of them reside in close binary systems, but few are known to be eclipsing, for which fundamental stellar parameters can be derived.\newline We conducted an analysis of photometric data and spectra from the Palomar 60'' and the 200" Hale telescope respectively. A quantitative spectral analysis found an effective temperature of $T_{\text{eff}}=33900\pm350$\,K, log g = $5.74\pm0.08$ and log($n_{\text{He}}/n_{\text{H}}) = -2.02 \pm0.07$, typical for an sdB star. The companion does not contribute to the optical light of the system, except through a distinct reflection effect. From the light curve an orbital period of 0.09980(25)\,d and a system inclination of $83.56\pm0.30\,^{\circ}$ were derived. The radial velocity curve yielded an orbital semi-amplitude of $K_1=95.8\pm 8.1\,\text{km s$^{-1}$}$. The mass for the M-type dwarf companion is $0.155\pm0.020\,M_{\odot}$. PTF1\,J072456$+$125301 has similar atmospheric parameters to those of pulsating sdB stars (V346 Hya stars). Therefore it could be a high-priority object for asteroseismology, if pulsations were detected such as in the enigmatic case of NY Vir., Comment: Accepted to A&A, 7pages, 4 figures

A project is presented which aims at high-precision determination of absolute parameters of close early-type eclipsing binaries in the LMC. We will use multi-object spectrographs (MOS) to measure RV curves of a large number of program stars selected from the MACHO archive. Spectroscopic mass ratios will be used as input for our light curve analysis code MORO. Application of the Simplex-based algorithm FITSB2 will achieve spectrum disentangling and fitting of NLTE model (TLUSTY) atmospheres, yielding orbital and atmospheric parameters. The method was extensively tested by application to time series of synthetic binary spectra for the expected range of S/N and MOS instrumental resolution. log g and T eff were reestablished with a precision of better than 5%, radial velocity amplitudes with errors of

We obtained high-resolution spectroscopy and UBV photometry of the O-type eclipsing binary V1182 Aql. In the spectra lines of a third component were found; the presence of third light is also supported by the solution of the light curves. New masses for both components of the binary were derived: M1 = 31.0 and M2 = 16.6 M☉. These values differ considerably from those given by Bell et al., which were obtained by neglecting the presence of a third body. With Teff ~ 43,000 K the primary component is much hotter than expected for the previously assumed spectral type O8. Its classification has to be revised to O5.5, which makes V1182 Aql probably the earliest eclipsing binary in the Galaxy. The mass of the primary is smaller than suggested by evolutionary models, while the secondary parameters agree with a position close to the zero-age main sequence (ZAMS). The third body, which manifests itself by strong lines in the optical spectrum and by a third light contribution of ~17% as deduced from the light curve solution might be detectable by interferometric measurements.

We present a spectroscopic and photometric analysis of V1331 Aql, an early-type eclipsing binary with a quite short period, i.e. 1.364 d. Radial velocity curves of both components were constructed from high-dispersion spectra of this close early B-type system, which are the first published spectroscopic measurements of this star. The light curve analysis is based on new UBV curves. Absolute dimensions of the binary components are derived. The primary mass M 1 (=10.1 M ○. ) and radius are close to the expected ZAMS values for type B 1 V. The mass of the secondary component M 2 (=5.3 M ○. ) corresponds to B4IV, but the component is hotter than expected for this type. It is oversized and overluminous for such a mass, and in this respect is similar to the secondary components of semi-detached Algol-like systems. However, it does not completely fill its Roche lobe. A revision of the few other known binaries of comparable spectral type and period and a recalculation of the parameters of AI Cru and V Pup suggests that the detached configuration of V1331 Aql is unique among this group.

We have discovered periodic light variations (P = 0.1718023 d) in the sdB star HS 2333+3927 in the BVR bands with amplitudes of 0.21, 0.28 and 0.33 mag, respectively. Sinusoidal radial velocity variations at the same period were detected with a semi-amplitude of K1 = 89. 6k m s −1 , indicating that it is binary system and that the light variations are caused by the reflection effect with no eclipses. A mass function of f (m) = 0.0128 Mhas been determined. The analysis of the light curve did not yield a unique solution, mainly because the albedo of the secondary is poorly constrained. Two solutions of equal quality with a high (A2 = 1.0) and a low (A2 = 0.39) albedo were considered further. Variability of the Balmer line profiles, most notably for Hα, was discovered, probably also caused by the reflection effect. A spectroscopic analysis results in Teff = 36 500 K, log g = 5.70, and log (nHe/nH) = −2.15. These characteristics are typical for sdB stars. Mass-radius relations are derived from the results of the analysis of light and radial-velocity curves. Comparison with the observed mass-radius relation of the sdB star and with that of lower main sequence stars for the companion allows us to discard the high albedo solution, because the resulting mass of the primary and the radius of the secondary would be unreasonably low. From a discussion of evolutionary models we constrain the plausible mass of the sdB to the range between 0.29 Mand 0.47 M� . Accordingly, the mass of the secondary is between 0.24 Mand 0.32 M� , indicating a spectral type of M3 to M4. HS 2333+3927 is only the sixth sdB+dM system discovered so far. An improved measurement of the gravity and the projected rotational velocity of the sdB star is required to further constrain the masses and to identify the evolutionary state of the sdB star uniquely.

We report the discovery of a binary, HS 2233 + 3927, consisting of an sdB star with a faint companion. From its lightcurve the orbital period of 14,844 s, the mass ratio, the inclination, and other system parameters are derived. The companion does not contribute to the optical light of the system except through a strong reflection effect. The semi-amplitude of the radial velocity curve K 1= 89.6 km/s−1 and a mass function of f(m) = 0.013 M ⊙ are determined. A preliminary spectroscopic analysis of the blue spectra using NLTE model atmospheres results in Teff= 36 500 K, log g= 5.70, and log(n He/n H) =−2.15. These parameters are typical for sdB stars, the companion is probably an M dwarf.

We give a brief summary of common basic characteristics of active phases during the whole (1963‐2000) observed symbiotic life of CH Cygni. We identify two types of outbursts: (1) those with pronounced signatures of a high-velocity mass outflow, and (2) those displaying signatures of only a mass inflow to the central star. On the basis of the observed Hα emission, we investigate mass loss from the active star during the period from when radio jets appeared (1984.6) to the most recent activity (1998‐2000). A simple expression, which relates the observed Hα luminosity to the mass-loss rate, is derived. We obtained mass-loss rates of ˙

New spectroscopic data were obtained for the early-type binaries V337 Aql, V649 Cas, V382 Cyg, and V431 Pup. Their radial velocity curves are presented. These are the rst such data for V337 Aql and V431 Pup. In the case of V382 Cyg, our data conrm previously obtained results. Especially for V649 Cas our radial velocity curve yields important new implications for the component masses: the detection of third body lines, which are blended with the lines of the primary component, solves the problem of the unacceptably small masses formerly deduced for this binary; now we determine masses closer to the values expected for spectral type B 0. V431 Pup is an important object, because it is a new member of the small group of early-type eclipsing binaries with an evolved component. A published light curve of V337 Aql is solved by the MORO code, and system parameters are derived. The period of V649 Cas is found to be variable, and a more accurate period is calculated for V431 Pup.

In the course of our search for double degenerate (DD) binaries as potential progenitors of type Ia supernovae with the UVES spectrograph at the ESO VLT (ESO SN Ia Progenitor surveY - SPY) we discovered that the white dwarf HE 1414-0848 is a double-lined DA+DA binary with an orbital period of P = 12h 25m 39s. Semi-amplitudes of 128km/s and 100km/s are derived for the individual components. The amplitude ratio and the measured difference in gravitational redshift is used to estimate the masses of the individual components: 0.55Msol and 0.71Msol. Hence the total mass of the HE 1414-0848 system is 1.26Msol, only 10% below the Chandrasekhar limit. The results of a model atmosphere analysis are consistent with our mass estimated from the orbit. Temperatures of the individual components are also determined. Possible scenarios for the formation of this system are discussed. The system will merge due to loss of angular momentum via gravitational wave radiation after two Hubble times. HE 1414-0848 does not qualify as a SN Ia progenitor, but it is the most massive close DD known today., 7 pages, 7 figures, A&A, accepted

We report the discovery of an eclipsing binary - HS 0705+6700 - being an sdB star with a faint companion. From its light curve the orbital period of 8263.87 s, the mass ratio of the system q = 0.28, the inclination of 84.4 deg and other system parameters are derived. The companion does not contribute to the optical light of the system except through a strong reflection effect. The semi-amplitude of the radial velocity curve K1 = 85.8 km/s and a mass function of f(m) = 0.00626 Msun are determined. A spectroscopic analysis of the blue spectra results in Teff = 28800K, log g = 5.40, and log n(He)/n(H) = -2.68. These characteristics are typical for sdB stars, as is its mass of 0.48 Msun. According to its mass (0.13 Msun) and radius (0.19 Rsun), the companion is an M dwarf. The primary is in a core helium burning phase of evolution, and the system must have gone through a common envelope stage when the primary was near the tip of the red giant branch., Comment: 12 pages, 9 eps figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics

New spectra of the eclipsing binary V505 Mon (usually classied as B5 Ib) were obtained in the optical and UV regions. Only spectral lines of one component are visible, with K =9 3 km s 1 .A ccording to arguments based on the extent of the disk the mass ratio might be about 0.30. The star with the visible spectral lines would then have a mass of 2.3, the other component of 7.7 M, i.e. their supergiant nature can be ruled out. The distance to the system appears to be about 1 kpc. Together with published photometric data, the spectroscopy provides clear evidence for the presence of a disk around the secondary component. The proles of the C ii 1335/6 doublet lines are used to derive the rotational velocity of the disk. The structure of the disk can be characterized by a central ionized zone surrounded by neutral outer parts. Additional matter of cloudy nature has to be present, and both components are embedded in an extended atmosphere. Abundance of carbon was found to be very low. Similarity with some other non-eclipsing binaries is discussed.

We present an analysis of the early-type quadruple system QZ Car, consisting of an eclipsing and a non-eclipsing binary. The spectroscopic investigation is based on new high dispersion echelle and CAT/CES spectra of H and He lines. The elements for the orbit of the non-eclipsing pair could be refined. Lines of the brighter component of the eclipsing binary were detected in near-quadrature spectra, while signatures of the fainter component could be identified in only few spectra. Lines of the primary component of the non-eclipsing pair and of both components of the eclipsing pair were found to be variable in position and strength; in particular, the He ii 4686 emission line of the brighter eclipsing component is strongly variable. An ephemeris for the eclipsing binary QZ Car valid at present was derived Prim. Min. = hel. JD . The relative orbit of the two binary constituents of the multiple system is discussed. In contrast to earlier investigations we found radial velocity changes of the systemic velocities of both binaries, which were used -together with an O-C analysis of the expected light-time effect -to derive approximate parameters of the mutual orbit of the two pairs. It is shown that this orbit and the distance to QZ Car can be further refined by minima timing and interferometry.

Improved orbital and physical parameters of the eccentric O-type system V1007 Sco (P=5.8 days) are presented. UBV light curves obtained over a period of 12 years were analyzed with a Wilson-Devinney-based solution code. Setting off from a set of parameters derived from spectroscopic investigations a consistent photometric solution was achieved. In accordance with the spectroscopic findings the eccentricity was determined as e=0.128 and the apsidal motion with a spectroscopic period of about 150 days was confirmed.

Preface of Planetary Systems Beyond the Main Sequence including conference scope and summary, short overview of programme, acknowledgements of patronage, sponsors, the scientific organising committee, and the local organising committee.

The formation of hot subdwarf stars (sdBs), which are core helium‐burning stars located on the extended horizontal branch, is still not understood. Many of the known hot subdwarf stars reside in close binary systems with short orbital periods between a few hours and a few days with either M star or white dwarf companions. Common envelope ejection is the most probable formation channel. Among these, eclipsing systems are of special importance because it is possible to constrain the parameters of both components tightly by combining spectroscopic and light curve analyses. We report the discovery of two eclipsing binaries with a brown dwarf (

Synthetic images of the dust tail are presented for a comet which has a rotating nucleus with one predominant dust source fixed to it. The images have been generated using a new computer model which, unlike similar models, allows for the study of dust tails caused by a rotating nucleus with an anisotropic distribution of sources.

We present new photometric and spectroscopic observations for 2M 1533+3759 (= NSVS 07826147). It has an orbital period of 0.16177042 day, significantly longer than the 2.3--3.0 hour periods of the other known eclipsing sdB+dM systems. Spectroscopic analysis of the hot primary yields Teff = 29230 +/- 125 K, log g = 5.58 +/- 0.03 and log N(He)/N(H) = -2.37 +/- 0.05. The sdB velocity amplitude is K1 = 71.1 +/- 1.0 km/s. The only detectable light contribution from the secondary is due to the surprisingly strong reflection effect. Light curve modeling produced several solutions corresponding to different values of the system mass ratio, q(M2/M1), but only one is consistent with a core helium burning star, q=0.301. The orbital inclination is 86.6 degree. The sdB primary mass is M1 = 0.376 +/- 0.055 Msun and its radius is R1 = 0.166 +/- 0.007 Rsun. 2M1533+3759 joins PG0911+456 (and possibly also HS2333+3927) in having an unusually low mass for an sdB star. SdB stars with masses significantly lower than the canonical value of 0.48 Msun, down to as low as 0.30 Msun, were theoretically predicted by Han et al. (2002, 2003), but observational evidence has only recently begun to confirm the existence of such stars. The existence of core helium burning stars with masses lower than 0.40--0.43 Msun implies that at least some sdB progenitors have initial main sequence masses of 1.8--2.0 Msun or more, i.e. they are at least main sequence A stars. The secondary is a main sequence M5 star., Comment: 47 pages, 7 figures

We report on a large survey for double degenerate (DD) binaries as potential progenitors of type Ia supernovae with the UVES spectrograph at the ESO VLT (SN Ia Progenitor surveY - SPY). About 560 white dwarfs were checked for radial velocity variations until now. Ninety new DDs have been discovered, including short period systems with masses close to the Chandrasekhar mass.

We report on systematic radial velocity surveys for white dwarf — white dwarf binaries (double degenerates — DDs) including SPY (ESO Supernovae Ia progenitor survey) recently carried out at the VLT. A large sample of DD will allow us to put strong constrains on the phases of close binary evolution of the progenitor systems and to perform an observational test of the DD scenario supernovae of type Ia. We explain how parameters of the binaries can be derived from various methods. Results for a sample of DDs are presented and discussed.

Part I Introduction: Reminiscences and Appreciation of a Great Astronomer.- Digging foundations for the 'Royal Road' A.H. Batten. One fellow's view of the 'Royal Road' E. Budding. Reminiscences of a Japanese contemporary M. Kitamura. RR CrB and Algol - the first and the last star in Zdenek Kopal's life with binaries M. Solc. Atmospheric eclipses in WR+O binaries: from Kopal and Shapley to present days A.M. Cherepashchuk. Part II Binary Star Morphology and Dynamical Aspects.- Resolving the Algol paradox and Kopal's classification of close binaries with evolutionary implications I.B. Pustylnik. Global solution of dynamical systems - a report to Z. Kopal, on what followed since C. Goudas, K.E. Papadakis et al. Period variations of close binaries H. Rovithis-Livianou. The eclipsing binary BX And and its period behaviour H. Rovithis-Livianou et al. The unique binary star Alpha Coronae Borealis I.M. Volkov. The eccentric eclipsing binary V889 Aquilae M. Wolf, R. Diethelm et al. Triple and multiple systems P. Mayer. Estimation of light time effects for close binaries in triple systems W. Van Hamme, R.E. Wilson. Eclipsing binaries showing light-time effect P. Zasche. Astrometric solution of the multiple system XY Leo V. Bakis et al. V475 Sct (Nova Scuti 2003) - binary or triple system? D. Chochol et al. Photometric observations and apsidal motion study of V1143 Cyg A. Dariush, N. Riazi et al.Intrinsic variables as components of close binaries N.N. Samus. Preliminary analysis of V and Hp light curves of 26 carbon Miras Z. Mikulasek, T. Graf. Non-radial pulsations in components of symbiotic stars N.I. Bondar, V.V. Prokofeva. Orbital parameters of the binary companion in omicron And using spectral disentangling A.Budivicova. Spectrum disentangling and orbital solution for kappa Dra S.M. Saad et al. An outburst detected in the spectrum of HD 6226 M. Slechta, P. Skoda. Bimodal structure of gas streams in interacting binaries Z. Sima. Energy transfer in W UMa systems S. Csizmadia. In between beta Lyrae and Algol: the case of V356 Sgr D. Dominis et al. Part III Mathematical physics and numerical modeling. Part III.1 Solution of eclipse light curves.- EB light curve models - what's next R.E. Wilson. Basic functions of the light curve analysis of eclipsing variables in the frequency domain O. Demircan. Photometric mass ratios of eclipsing binary stars D. Terrell, R.E. Wilson. The OGLE-TR-56 star-planet system T. Vaccaro, W. Van Hamme. Light curve analysis of early-type clsoe LMC binaries S. Nesslinger. New techniques and limitations of light curve analysis P. Hadrava. A new package of computer codes for analyzing light curves of eclipsing pre-cataclysmic binaries V.V. Pustynski. Light curve analysis of early-type overconatct systems M. Bauer. A photometric study of the activity of SW Lac G. Djurasevic. CCD photometry and modeling of the overcontact binary systems NN Vir and YY CrB K.D. Gazeas, P.G. Niarchos. Radial velocity and light curve analysis of the eclipsing binary NN Vir R.Pazhouhesh, E.G. Melendo. The overcontact binary system V2388 Oph an improved M-R relation for LTCBs K. Yakut. AQ Psc - analysis of new light curves A. Yamasaki. CCD photometry of the neglected contact binaries V344 Lac and V1191 Cyg T. Pribulla et al. CCD photometry of neglected eclipsing binaries KZ Dra, LR Cam and IM Vul O. Pejcha et al. Photometric solution of the eclipsing binary V351 Peg B. Albayrak et al. V2213 Cyg is a new W UMa-type

PN G135.9+55.9 is the most metal-poor PN known in our Galaxy. The central star resides in a short-period binary system with a compact component, probably a white dwarf. We describe new observations, which allowed us to determine the orbital period. The lower limit for the combined mass of both stars is close to the Chandrasekhar limit for white dwarfs, making this binary a possible progenitor of a supernova type Ia. The binary system must have recently emerged from a common envelope phase., Proceedings of the conference "Planetary Nebulae as Astronomical Tools", Gdansk, June/July 2005. To appear in AIP conference series

We report the discovery of a new eclipsing system less than one arcminute south of the pulsating DB white dwarf KUV 05134+2605. The object could be identified with the point source 2MASSJ0516288+260738 published by the Two Micron All Sky Survey. We present and discuss the first light curves as well as some additional colour and spectral information. The eclipse period of the system is 1.29d, and, assuming this to be identical to the orbital period, the best light curve solution yields a mass ratio of m2/m1=0.11, a radius ratio of r2/r1~1 and an inclination of 74 deg. The spectral anaylsis results in a Teff=4200K for the primary. On this basis, we suggest that the new system probably consists of a late K + Brown dwarf (which would imply a system considerably younger than ~0.01 Gyr to have r2/r1~1), and outline possible future observations., 15 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy&Astrophysics. Revised version: optimized formatting only, no other changes

We present the first orbital elements for the massive close binary, HD 101131, one of the brightest objects in the young, open cluster, IC 2944. This system is a double-lined spectroscopic binary in an elliptical orbit with a period of 9.64659 +/- 0.00012 days. It is a young system of unevolved stars (approximately 2 million years old) that are well within their critical Roche surfaces. We use a Doppler tomography algorithm to reconstruct the individual component optical spectra, and we apply well known criteria to arrive at classifications of O6.5 V((f)) and O8.5 V for the primary and secondary, respectively. We compare the reconstructed spectra of the components to single star, spectrum standards to determine a flux ratio of f_2/f_1 = 0.55 +/- 0.08 in the V-band. Both components are rotating faster than synchronously. We estimate the temperatures and luminosities of the components from the observed spectral classifications, composite V magnitude, and cluster distance modulus. The lower limits on the masses derived from the orbital elements and the lack of eclipses are 25 solar masses and 14 solar masses for the primary and secondary, respectively. These limits are consistent with the larger masses estimated from the positions of the stars in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and evolutionary tracks for single stars., Comment: 17 pages, 3 figures, submitted to ApJ

We determine the temporal evolution of the luminosity L(WD), radius R(WD) and effective temperature Teff of the white dwarf (WD) pseudophotosphere of V339 Del from its discovery to around day 40. Another main objective was studying the ionization structure of the ejecta. These aims were achieved by modelling the optical/near-IR spectral energy distribution (SED) using low-resolution spectroscopy (3500 - 9200 A), UBVRcIc and JHKLM photometry. During the fireball stage (Aug. 14.8 - 19.9, 2013), Teff was in the range of 6000 - 12000 K, R(WD) was expanding non-uniformly in time from around 66 to around 300 (d/3 kpc) R(Sun), and L(WD) was super-Eddington, but not constant. After the fireball stage, a large emission measure of 1.0-2.0E+62 (d/3 kpc)**2 cm**(-3) constrained the lower limit of L(WD) to be well above the super-Eddington value. The evolution of the H-alpha line and mainly the transient emergence of the Raman-scattered O VI 1032 A line suggested a biconical ionization structure of the ejecta with a disk-like H I region persisting around the WD until its total ionization, around day 40. It is evident that the nova was not evolving according to the current theoretical prediction. The unusual non-spherically symmetric ejecta of nova V339 Del and its extreme physical conditions and evolution during and after the fireball stage represent interesting new challenges for the theoretical modelling of the nova phenomenon., Comment: 14 pages, 9 figures, 3 tables, accepted for Astronomy and Astrophysics

In the course of our search for double degenerate binaries as potential progenitors of type Ia supernovae with the UVES spectrograph at the ESO VLT (ESO SN Ia Progenitor surveY - SPY) we discovered that the sdB star HE 1047-0436 is radial velocity variable. The orbital period of 1.213253d, a semi-amplitude of 94km/s, and a minimum mass of the invisible companion of 0.44Msol are derived from the analysis of the radial velocity curve. We use an upper limit on the projected rotational velocity of the sdB star to constrain the system inclination and the companion mass to M>0.71Msol, bringing the total mass of the system closer to the Chandrasekhar limit. However, the system will merge due to loss of angular momentum via gravitational wave radiation only after several Hubble times. Atmospheric parameters and metal abundances are also derived. The resulting values are typical for sdB stars., A&A Letters, accepted, 4 pages, 5 figures

We have started a large survey for double degenerate (DD) binaries as potential progenitors of type Ia supernovae with the UVES spectrograph at the ESO VLT (ESO SN Ia Progenitor surveY - SPY). About 400 white dwarfs were checked for radial velocity variations during the first 15 months of this project, twice the number of white dwarfs investigated during the last 20 years. We give an overview of the SPY project and present first results Fifty four new DDs have been discovered, seven of them double lined (only 18 and 6 objects of these groups were known before, respectively). The final sample is expected to contain 150 to 200 DDs. Eight new pre-cataclysmic binaries were also detected. SPY is the first DD survey which encompasses also non-DA white dwarfs. SPY produces an immense, unique sample of very high resolution white dwarf spectra, which provides a lot of spin-off opportunities. We describe our projects to exploit the SPY sample for the determination of basic parameters, kinematics, and rotational velocities of white dwarfs. A catalogue with a first subset of our white dwarf data has already been published by Koester et al. 2001.

We report the discovery of a bright (V=11.6 mag) eclipsing hot subdwarf binary of spectral type B with a late main sequence companion from the All Sky Automated Survey (ASAS 102322-3737.0). Such systems are called HW Vir stars after the prototype. The lightcurve shows a grazing eclipse and a strong reflection effect. An orbital period of P=0.13927 d, an inclination of i=65.86{\deg}, a mass ratio q=0.34, a radial velocity semiamplitude K_1=81.0 kms^-1, and other parameters are derived from a combined spectroscopic and photometric analysis. The short period can only be explained by a common envelope origin of the system. The atmospheric parameters (T_eff=28400 K, log g=5.60) are consistent with a core helium-burning star located on the extreme horizontal branch. In agreement with that we derived the most likely sdB mass to be M_sdB=0.46M_sun, close to the canonical mass of such objects. The companion is a late M-dwarf with a mass of M_comp=0.16 M_sun. ASAS 102322-3737.0 is the third brightest of only 12 known HW Virginis systems, which makes it an ideal target for detailed spectroscopic studies and long term photometric monitoring to search for period variations, e.g. caused by a substellar companion.

Hot subdwarf B stars (sdBs) are extreme horizontal branch stars believed to originate from close binary evolution. Indeed about half of the known sdB stars are found in close binaries with periods ranging from a few hours to a few days. The enormous mass loss required to remove the hydrogen envelope of the red-giant progenitor almost entirely can be explained by common envelope ejection. A rare subclass of these binaries are the eclipsing HW Vir binaries where the sdB is orbited by a dwarf M star. Here we report the discovery of an HW Vir system in the course of the MUCHFUSS project. A most likely substellar object ($\simeq0.068\,M_{\rm \odot}$) was found to orbit the hot subdwarf J08205+0008 with a period of 0.096 days. Since the eclipses are total, the system parameters are very well constrained. J08205+0008 has the lowest unambiguously measured companion mass yet found in a subdwarf B binary. This implies that the most likely substellar companion has not only survived the engulfment by the red-giant envelope, but also triggered its ejection and enabled the sdB star to form. The system provides evidence that brown dwarfs may indeed be able to significantly affect late stellar evolution., Comment: 16 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, ApJL accepted

We analyse new spectra of the multiple system SZ Cambecause previous studies found different values of the primary radial velocity amplitude. The older solutions of light curves also have different ratios of secondary to primary luminosity as inferred from the observed equivalent widths of spectral lines. We therefore reanalyse the light curves of the eclipsing pair. Only the light curve derived by Wesselink has a solution that agrees with the observed equivalent width ratio. The resulting parameters of the binary are discussed. Masses of M 1 = 16.6 and M 2 = 11.9 M ⊙ , and radii R 1 = 9.4 and R 2 = 5.4 R ⊙ are derived. We point out that radial velocities measured with the CCF method can be misleading when the method is applied to multiple systems with complex line blends. New radial velocities are also obtained for the visual component ADS 2984 A (HD 25639).

The paper presents IUE and optical observations of Nova LMC 1990 Number 2, the first recurrent nova to be observed outside the Galaxy. The ultraviolet observations reported here caught the nova at UV maximum; no P Cygni profiles developed on the resonance lines, suggesting that very little mass was ejected and the outburst was not spherical. The integrated UV luminosity at UV maximum was 2.9 x 10 to the 38th ergs/s. Thus the luminosity exceeded the Eddington limit for a 1-solar-mass white dwarf.

In 1925 a photographic search for new variable stars was begun at the Remeis-Observatory in Bamberg. Initially the sky patrol covered only the northern hemisphere, but in 1964 it was also extended to the southern sky. At the individual observing stations, the sky is systematically photographed with several wide-angle patrol cameras which are attached to the same mounting, and which have f/6 Tessar lenses of 4-inch aperture. Each camera covers a 13-by-13 degree field. The plates are usually exposed for one hour and a photographic magnitude of 14m is reached.

The photometric variability of CPD-48°1577 in the optical and IR ranges is discussed. The structure and variation of prominent emission line profiles are investigated. An estimate of the distance is given.