Photometric Analysis of Wide and Narrow Hα Band Observations of R Canis Majoris

Abstract

Wide and narrow Hα lightcurves of R CMa were analysed using Wilson-Devinney (WD) and Information Limit Optimisation Technique (ILOT) approaches. A range of mass ratios, tested by both methods, led to an optimal estimate of around 0.45, at variance with the spectroscopic value. The distortion on the light curve affects the modelling, and so, in a second fitting, this was represented by a ‘hot spot’, associated with mass transfer effects. A semi-detached configuration was then derived. This is supported by the form of the Hα index variation, which has also been modelled. Although thus appearing as a ‘classical Algol’ system, R CMa retains its inherent peculiarity of low mass ratio with low period, which cannot be reconciled with conservative evolution scenarios.