Nonsimultaneous multicolor light-curve analysis of Algol (Beta Persei)

New analyses are presented for published light curves of the eclipsing binary Algol which incorporate improved values of the mass ratio, primary temperature, and third light that have become available since the last published analyses of this system. Separate solutions were calculated for selected light curves in order to identify those that do not yield good solutions for the properties of the stars because of problems with the observations or because they are distorted by the effects of cirumstellar material or starspots. It is found that Wilson et al.'s (1972) 435-nm and V light curves are the only ones in the sample that can be used to solve for the properties of the stars in the system. These results are in good agreement with those from earlier analyses, and the properties of the system now seem to be firmly established.