First investigation of eclipsing binary KIC 9026766: analysis of light curve and periodic changes

Abstract

We investigate a short-period W UMa binary KIC 9026766 with an orbital period of 0.2721278 d in the Kepler field of view. By applying an automated q-search for the folded light curve and producing a synthetic light curve for this object based on the PHOEBE code, we calculate the fundamental stellar parameters. We also analyze the O − C curve of the primary minima. The orbital period changes can be attributed to the combination of an upward quadratic function and light-travel time effect (LTTE) due to a possible third body with a minimum mass of 0.029 M and an orbital period of 972.5866 ± 0.0041 d. The relative luminosity of the primary and secondary eclipses (Min I − Min II) is calculated. The periodogram of the residuals of the LTTE and Min I − Min II show peaks with the same period of 0.8566 d. The background effect of two nearby stars on our target is the possible reason for this signal. By considering the amplitudes and periods of the remaining signals in the O − C curve of minima, spot motion is possible.