Three-Component Model of Spottedness in the Classical RS CVn System UX Ari

It is shown that the hypothesis of a complex (cold spots and hot flares) structure for the active regions on UX Ari reproduces well the photometric behavior of the star. According to the model the spots are colder than the quiescent atmosphere at 1300 K, while the flares are hotter than the photosphere at 750 K. These estimates are in good agreement with Doppler mapping of the star, with calculations of its photometric behavior, and with observations of OH molecular bands. The effective area of the spotted regions approaches half the total surface of the star. Our estimates show that the flares form about a third of the spotted area. The time variation in the star’s brightness and in the effective area of the spots is probably cyclical with a characteristic time of 8-9 years. The switching of the active latitudes shows no obvious cyclicity.