Photometric orbit of the massive system RY Sct.

Strazzulla, G.; Milano, L.; Vittone, A.; Ciatti, F.; Mammano, A.; Margoni, R.

Italy

Abstract

The UBV lightcurves of RY Scuti were analyzed using the Wilson and Devinney approach (1971). The system is found to be an evolved overcontact system, embedded in a gas and dust envelope, revealed by forbidden lines and IR excess. It is suggested that RY Scuti has early-type components of 39 and 49 solar masses, making it one of the most massive contact systems known so far. A possible variation in the period is analyzed.

1981 Astronomy and Astrophysics
IUE 27