[vsnet-chat 93] Re: Times of minima

[Jim Caffey <jfc898s@astro.smsu.edu>]

> 
>     I have a question to eclipsing binary observers.  How should we (or do
> you) define the "minimum" or "mid-eclipse" for non-symmetric eclipses?
> Mathematical minimum?  Or, some specially defined point which represents
> a certain binary phase?  This problem also arises in CVs eclipses, in which
> non-axisymmetric accretion disks inevitably exist.


We use the midpoint of the primary eclipse as phase 0.00, and exactly 1/2 
the period later as phase 0.50.   Therefore, one eclise, the primary is 
ALWAYS defined as the phase 0.00, then the secondary eclipse would be 
away from phase 0.50 for eliptical orbits.,.. for circular, they are at 
phase 0.50.

The midpoint is also deinded as the most loss of light.

Jim Caffey

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