An analysis of V861 Sco- I. Light curve synthesis.

Abstract

Photometry of V 861 Sco, a binary at one time suspected of containing a collapsed secondary, is analyzed using light curve synthesis techniques. A consistent solution is obtained under the (justified) assumption that the primary fills its Roche lobe; the secondary is found to be of spectral type approximately B2 V. The absolute dimensions of the components are derived, and the evolutionary status of the system is discussed. Infrared and low resolution IUE data are considered in the framework of the derived model. The stellar wind mass loss rate is examined, together with the possibility of an apparent phase dependence of this quantity.