Equatorial Eclipsing Binaries Project

/ eclipsing, ccd

Programme Coordinator: Tom Richards

Please note that this project is now closed.

The EEB Project, which is joint with the Variable Star Section of the British Astronomical Association, aims to provide new or updated light elements (orbital period and one well-determined time of primary eclipse) of variable stars classified as EA in the GCVS4. Where possible, it also aims to provide orbital, classification and shape data for the stars. The target stars are located in a band within 10° declination of the celestial equator, to enable collaborative northern hemisphere research. All results are to be published in suitable journals, with observers’ data and summary reports on progress published on this website.

This project is suitable for observers new to CCD photometry as well as for experienced observers. Feedback and advice on observing and results will be provided. This is a good opportunity to learn and improve technique, as well as making publishable scientific contributions.

Lists of targets will be published here from time to time, together with observational requirements. VSS participants will be notified by email of new targets and issues arising about current targets.

Observational requirements will differ somewhat from target to target, but in general they are:

  1. With one or two exceptions, all target systems require CCD observation.
  2. Time series are needed, preferably through an entire night or as much of it as possible.
  3. Photometric filters are not required for determination of light elements but are needed for more advanced work.
  4. Observers are advised what data to submit and in what format.

Project Targets

Here is a list of stars under observation, observing season, and current status. Click on the star name for more information about it, particularly observing requirements, predictions of times of minimum, VSS observational data and reports, and news items. For information about eclipsing binaries and their observation in general, see the article Eclipsing Binaries and VSS, with many useful links. For information and links on observing techniques, see Observing and Reporting. More information on the individual systems can be accessed via the AAVSO VSX Index.

System Observing Season Campaign Status Observing
V1243 Aql May – September More precise data needed on all phases High priority, very interesting system, colour data wanted
V1692 Aql May – September Light curve still incomplete Unfiltered or Rc data wanted
WZ Cet July – November Have ASAS3 light curve, but little VSS data B, V or unfiltered data wanted in 2010
CU Hya December – April Light curve still incomplete, needs improving out of eclipse Report & data for 2009 & 2010 to come
delta Lib February – August 2009 data available (visual step method) Visual observers only for 2010, using Schrader Method
SZ Psc June – October Very little data so far Discontinued for 2010 – observe UV Psc instead
UV Psc July – November Out-of-eclipse data particularly needed Unfiltered, V, or transformed B,V data wanted in 2010.

Observing season dates are intended for observers in temperate southern latitudes. Elsewhere these will differ somewhat.

ACTIVE PROJECTS