A light synthesis program for binary stars. II - Light curve and color curve effects in a contact system

This paper studies various models which attempt to explain light curves and color curves for eclipsing W Ursae Majoris stars of type W. Observed color curves for VW Cephei are in disagreement with the Mullan starspot model to explain W-type light curves. An alternative starspot model, with starspots located on the averted hemisphere of the larger star, represents the light curves and color curves for 1980 August 21 with good accuracy. The observed light curves and color curves of VW Cephei agree with theoretical curves for a Rucinski hot secondary model. A single spot, added to the underlying hot secondary model, provides a reasonably accurate representation of UBVRI photometric data.