The First Comprehensive Photometric Study of the Neglected Binary System V345 Cassiopeiae

We present the first BVRI CCD photometric observations of V345 Cas made on 22 nights during the observing seasons in 2007-2008. Our light curves, resembling those of EB-type binary stars, are analyzed with the 2003 version of the Wilson- Devinney binary code. The photometric study shows that V345 Cas is a typical semi-detached binary system with the primary star being about ΔT = 2400 K hotter, two times more massive, but only 17% larger than the secondary star being filled with it's Roche-lobe. The orbit has a relatively large inclination of about 88°. A cool spot on the secondary component is modeled to explain a small light curve asymmetry. Absolute dimensions and related radiometric parameters of the eclipsing pair are calculated and their evolutionary states are discussed with the HR diagrams of mass-radius and temperature-luminosity. A period analysis of all available times of minima, including our measurements, indicates that the orbital period may vary in a cyclical way, unfortunately the secondary period for the variation can not be uniquely determined because of lack of present timing data