A Model of the Early Type Binary System BF Aurigae

Abstract

A physically consistent model is presented for the early-type eclipsing binary system BF Aur, based on a simultaneous solution of its light and radial velocity curves. The less massive fainter (but hotter) secondary is smaller but almost Roche lobe filling component. The system is thus not reverse-algol. The absolute parameters of the system are found to be: M_h=3.3 M_odot, M_c= 4.1 M_odot, T_h= 15600 K, T_c= 15400 K, R_h= 3.9 R_odot, R_c= 4.1 R_odot. More accurate radial velocity data are needed before uniqueness can be claimed for the model.