Study of Eclipsing Binaries: Light Curves & O-C Diagrams Interpretation

Abstract

The continuous improvement in observational methods of eclipsing binaries, EBs, yield more accurate data, while the development of their light curves, that is magnitude versus time, analysis yield more precise results. Even so, and in spite the large number of EBs and the huge amount of observational data obtained mainly by space missions, the ways of getting the appropriate information for their physical parameters etc. is either from their light curves and/or from their period variations via the study of their (O-C) diagrams. The latter express the differences between the observed, O, and the calculated, C, times of minimum light. Thus, old and new light curves analysis methods of EBs to obtain their principal parameters will be considered, with examples mainly from our own observational material, and their subsequent light curves analysis using either old or new methods. Similarly, the orbital period changes of EBs via their (O-C) diagrams are referred to with emphasis on the use of continuous methods for their treatment in absence of sudden or abrupt events. Finally, a general discussion is given concerning these two topics as well as to a few related subjects.