CCD Photometry, Light Curve Modeling and Period Analysis of the Overcontact Eclipsing Binary BN Ari

Abstract

We present photometric and spectroscopic data of BN Ari, a totally eclipsing variable star. 15 new times-of-minimum have been determined. These along with other published eclipse timings were used to update the linear ephemeris and evaluate changes in orbital periodicity. Radial velocity data along with a definitive classification spectrum are reported for the first time. Simultaneous modeling of multicolor light curves and radial velocity data was accomplished using the Wilson-Devinney code with optimization by differential corrections. The weight of evidence from evaluating both the eclipse timing differences and light curve modeling indicates that BN Ari is most likely a triple system.