Light curve and orbital period analysis of VX LAC

Abstract In this study, we performed simultaneously light curve and radial velocity, and also period analyses of the eclipsing binary system VX Lac. Four color (BV RI) light curves of the system were analysed using the W-D code. The results imply that VX Lac is a classic Algol-type binary with a mass ratio of q = 0.27, of which the less massive secondary component fills its Roche lobe. The orbital period behaviour of the system was analysed by assuming the light time effect (LITE) from a third body. The O − C analysis yielded a mass transfer rate of dM/dt = 1.86 × 10−8 M⊙yr−1 and the minimal mass of the third body to be M3 = 0.31M⊙. The residuals from mass transfer and the third body were also analysed because another cyclic variation is seen in O − C diagram. This periodic variation was examined under the hypotheses of stellar magnetic activity and fourth body.