Abstracts

Abstracts of signed up talks are continuously being added as the applications come in. Their inclusion into the main programme, or their reassignment into the poster section, will be decided before August 20th 2024.

Elizabeth Adams

Searching for doomed worlds 

online

Ultra-hot Jupiters -- giant planets with orbital periods of just a few days -- are likely doomed by tidal forces to undergo orbital decay and eventual disruption by their stars, but the timescale over which this process unfolds is unknown. The best current example is WASP-12 b, whose orbital decay was found after a decade of careful transit monitoring. Other planets may be decaying on slower time scales. Thus, detections of orbital decay rely on both regular new observations over many years, and careful long-term management of past transit data. I will present results from a long-term project to monitor ultra-hot Jupiters transits and describe the role played by the Exoplanet Transit Database in this work. 

Günther Wuchterl

The Earth-2.0 Discovery Race

The "PLATO" - (PLanetary Transits and Oscillations of Stars) mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) is designed to detect 1-1-1-1-1 planets. Recently the Chinese Academy of Sciences indicated that it plans to launch a similar spacecraft,  "Earth 2.0", also to L2, also in 2009, to also find a planet with 1 Earth mass, 1 Earth radius,  in 1 AU orbit, around a 1 solar mass star with the age of the Sun.

I will compare the PLATO and Earth 2.0 missions and estimate the time they will need to find an exo-terrestrial planet with properties like those known in the inner solar system.

Like PLATO, Earth 2.0 will provide opportunities for telescopes of 20 cm aperture to contribute to the discovery race by testing and confirming candidate planets. These will be important for minimising the time from the first hint to the confirmation of an planet like in the inner solar system but outside the solar system. I will present the Venustest https://venustest.plato-planets.at that prepares citizen science contributions to the great discovery effort. 

Atila Poro

A look at the latest activities and results in the BSN project

online 

The BSN project is an international partnership between 19 observatories in the northern and southern hemispheres. In this project, amateur observers are present along with professional observatories. The focus of this project is on contact binary systems that are analyzed for the first time. Dozens of observations have been made for target systems, and more than 20 papers have been published in journals of their analysis results. In these activities, there have been innovations that have reduced the system analysis process. One of them is the production of special software for the BSN project for optical curve analysis. This program, which is called "BSN Software", is very user-friendly and makes analysis easier by providing 3D or live images of the processes. Also, this software has an MCMC section, which is 20 times faster than Phoebe. Currently, this software is only available to the members of the BSN project and will be available on the web in the coming year for everyone to use. Another important research activity in the BSN project is the production of the largest sample for contact systems, whose article is being reviewed in a journal. The number of systems in a sample and the accuracy of its collection can cause many experimental relations of parameters to be studied with good accuracy. Also, we are using a variety of machine learning methods in our studies. In this presentation, I will explain some of these scientific achievements. 

Vitalii Breus

Spin variability, superhumps and the new period of the intermediate polar RX J2133.7+5107 

online 

We report the results of long-term time series photometry on RX J2133.7+5107. We confirmed and improved the results obtained by de Miguel et al. (2017). Due to longer time-base we obtained more accurate value of the spin-up time-scale 1.483(1) x 10^5 yr. The observed rate of spin-up is even faster then reported by previous authors and one of the fastest of all known intermediate polars. We report a presence of complicated changes of (O-C) with a period of about 7 years, that may be interpreted as fluctuations around the equilibrium period. Superhump maxima timings is changing from season to season. These irregular changes of the superhump maxima timings cause large scatter on the O-C diagram. Using TESS photometry that contains 6 runs in 2019, 2022 and 2024 we detected new, previously unknown period of 4.85 days that changes from run to run. The values of the best period and semiamplitude (in flux) of two-periodic trigonometric polynomial fit were determined. The origin of this period should be discussed. 

Miracle Chibuzor Marcel

Introducing Citizen Science Projects in Africa by PACS e-Lab 

online 

Citizen science allows the public to actively participate in scientific research. The Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab (PACS e-Lab) was established to engage Africans in citizen science and soft astronomy research, with the goal of advancing space research and exploration, as well as enhancing space education and outreach. In collaboration with various international organizations focused on astronomy research, education, and outreach, PACS e-Lab runs several projects, including asteroid searches, exoplanet photometry, research writing for peer-reviewed publications, astrophoto visual development, and Amateur Radio contact with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ARISS). Despite several challenges, the group has engaged over 600 Africans from more than 40 countries and is working towards covering the entire continent in the future. PACS e-Lab's development efforts resonate with seven United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).

Filiz Kahmaran Alicavus

Characterization of a Newly Identified Pulsating Detached Eclipsing Binary

Double-lined detached eclipsing binaries are prime candidates for accurately determining fundamental stellar properties, such as mass and radius. Their scientific importance is further enhanced when they exhibit pulsations. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of a newly identified double-lined detached eclipsing binary system that demonstrates Delta Scuti type pulsations. We acquired high-resolution spectra, which were used to perform radial velocity and spectral analyses. Additionally, we analyzed the TESS light curve alongside the radial velocity data to delineate the binary and pulsational characteristics of the system. This analysis yielded precise stellar parameters and detailed pulsation profiles. We also modeled the system's evolutionary status, offering valuable insights into its developmental stage and future evolution.

Giuseppe Conzo & Mara Moriconi 

TOI-6883.01: New exoplanet discovered in Delphinus constellation 

New exoplanet discovered observing single transit analyzing TESS data by Italian amateur astronomers and confirmation by SETI Citizen Scientists team. 

Pavel Cagaš

The amateur astronomer's pursuit of the widest field of view 

Achieving the largest possible field of view has been a desire of many astronomers ever since photographic plates were placed in the focal planes of telescopes for the first time. Since the number of observed objects increases proportionally with the field of view, so does the probability of capturing something interesting, which might otherwise remain hidden just behind the edge. Unfortunately, the gradual degradation of image quality with the increased distance from the field of view center is an inherent feature of virtually every optical system.

While modern computation techniques make it possible to design truly wide-field optics capable of covering current, large-area CCD or CMOS sensors, such custom-made telescopes typically remain out of reach for amateur astronomers. However, off-the-shelf, relatively affordable optical components can be used to design alternative systems, offering a field of view covering very large sensors of modern cameras while reaching the seeing-limited resolution. As a result, such systems can multiply the scientific output generated by amateur astronomers. 

Ondřej Pejcha

Quo vadis amatérská fotometrie? 

V posledních 20 letech prožila pozemní optická time-domain astronomie revoluci umožněnou rostoucí plochou CCD detektorů. Kromě pokroků v oblasti přístrojové techniky došlo ale možná k ještě většímu skoku v oblasti software. Techniky jako difference imaging umožňují spolehlivější detekce změn jasnosti a strojové učení umožňuje výrazně redukovat množství falešných signálů. V blízké budoucnosti pak Vera Rubin Observatory a její Legacy Survey of Space and Time poskytnou obrovský proud (doslova) změn na nebi, kterými se budou probírat automatičtí zprostředkovatelé (brokeři). Některé existující přehlídky jako ZTF už se touto cestou vydali. Další rozměr výzkumu dodává ultrapřesná fotometrie z oběžné dráhy a snadná dostupnost fyzikálních parametrů z družice Gaia.

Amatérská fotometrie ale zůstává zaměřena na konkrétní objekty a i přes nedávné pokroky umožňující studium až stovek objektů v jednom poli nezužitkovává veškeré dostupné informace. Unikátní potenciál kombinace dalekohled+detektor+pozorovatel tak není plně využit.

Smyslem tohoto příspěvku je pokračování v debatě na téma budoucnosti amatérské fotometrie a představení některých myšlenek a kroků, které SPHE v tomto směru podnikla nebo o kterých přemýšlí. Chceme vytvořit ryze amatérskou prohlídku oblohy? 

Zbyněk Henzl

Představení nového sekčního dalekohledu v Ondřejově

TBD

Marek Skarka

Stellar variability at the upper main sequence

The extremely accurate space observations have enabled us to detect changes in brightness related to effects previously not thought to affect hot stars. These changes are primarily linked to rotation, local magnetic fields, and spots. Rotation, along with pulsations, poses a challenge in categorizing and studying stars hotter than 6500 K. I will showcase various types of variability in actual light curves and I will highlight the challenges involved in their classification. 

Petr Zasche

Dvojzákrytové systémy: Metoda Rozděl a panuj

Dvojzákrytové systémy, kterých je dnes již detekováno kolem tisícovky, představují výzvu také pro jejich analýzu. I v případě, kdy máme dost dat, tak jejich komplexní analýza není triviální záležitostí. Některé efekty působí protichůdně, jiné je nutné korektně sčítat dohromady. Nicméně stále pro většinu objevených systémů jsou dynamické členy malé, a soustavu lze modelovat jako 2x 3-násobný systém a použít k analýze starý osvědčený recept: Divide et impera. 

Jakub Kolář

Squadra: ProAm collaboration in multiple stars research 

In the new popular research field of multiple stars, we now have more than 800 2+2 quadruple candidates. A comprehensive study was done for only several of the most measured objects. We present our observing group Squadra, which connects professional and citizen observers. This collaboration leads to obtaining more data sets, confirms the multiple nature of the candidates, and allows the calculation of their crucial parameters. We will show our technique, analysis methods, and results of individual objects and general statistics. 

Ladislav Šmelcer

Vývoj aktivity eruptivních hvězd 

V prezentaci budou uvedeny výsledky fotometrie eruptivních hvězd za posledních deset let, kterou provádíme jednak na hvězdárně ve Valašském Meziříčí, tak i ve spolupráci se členy SPHE. Konkrétně se budeme věnovat objektům GJ 3236 a NSVS 07453183 Lyn, u kterých můžeme sledovat změny aktivity v dlouhodobém cyklu. 

Miloslav Zejda

100 let sekce pozorovatelů proměnných hvězd ČAS 1924-2024 

100 let novodobého programu pozorování proměnných hvězd v Československu a České republice stojíí za připomenutí. Popsat bohatou historii  avšechny aktivity Sekce během několika desítek minut je velmi obtížné. Příspěvek obsahuje jen stručný průřez historií a činnmostí Sekce. 

Matúš Kamenec

Jednoduché nástroje na získavanie dát zo satelitu TESS

Príspevok sa zaoberá jednoduchými GUI nástrojmi vlastnej produkcie na báze balíka lightkurve, vyvinutými za účelom výberu objektov pre pozemské follow-up pozorovania. Okrem sťahovania dát o želaných objektoch umožňujú ich základnú analýzu a ukladanie do súborov pre ďalšie spracovanie. 

Zbyněk Henzl

Představení systému práce a výsledku pozorování hvězdárny ve Veltěžích

V průběhu 5-ti leté existence hvězdárny ve Veltěžích jsem objevil několik zajímavých objektů. Rád bych Vás seznámil nejen s výsledky jejich pozorování, ale i se způsoby jakými byly nalezeny a se svým pohledem na změny s kterými se amatér v oboru pozorování zákrytových proměnných hvězd potýká.

Martin Vrašťák

Nový 0,5 m ďalekohľad pre LSO 

V príspevku bude popísaný projekt výstavby nového ďalekohľadu s priemerom zrkadla 0,5 m pre súkromné observatórium v Liptovskej Štiavnici. Ďalekohľad bude primárne určený pre spektroskopické a fotometrické pozorovanie premenných hviezd. 

Zeťo Xia

Period analysis of EE Dra 

About 10% of stars on the upper main sequence of HR diagram show anomalous abundance of some chemical element on their surface layers. The appearance of light curves of chemically peculiar stars remains unchanged even for decades. This is due to a strong global magnetic field which leads to originating of spots on stellar surface and decreasing of stellar flux. By analysing of these light curves, we are able to determine their rotational periods with high precision. We will analyse light curves and determine the period of rotation of EE Dra using data from TESS mission.  

Radovan Mrllák

Pozorování proměnných hvězd Na Hvězdárně v Úpici 

Příspěvek přináší přehled o historii pozorování, technickém vybavení a přehled uskutečněných pozorování na Hvězdárně v Úpici. 

Vojtěch Dienstbier

TSVSC1 TN-N013031312-172-73-2: New DSCT in an eclipsing binary 

TBD

Tahereh Ramezani

Eclipsing binaries in open clusters 

Studying detached eclipsing binaries (dEB) in open clusters is crucial for testing theoretical stellar evolutionary models. These models must accurately predict the masses, radii, and luminosities of the eclipsing stars as well as the radiative properties of all other stars within the cluster. To fully realize the potential of studying eclipsing binaries in open clusters, it is essential that both the binaries and their parent clusters are thoroughly observed. Because the dEB and other cluster members share the same age and chemical composition, theoretical models must be able to successfully match the characteristics of the two stars in the dEB with those of the other cluster members. This enables detailed tests to be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of different physical components in the models. Additionally, if a cluster is poorly studied, comparing the properties of the dEB with model predictions can help determine the cluster's metal abundance and age. Detached eclipsing binaries also serve as reliable distance indicators for clusters, using methods like bolometric corrections or surface brightness calibrations. By utilizing dEBs in clusters, accurate distance measurements can be obtained without the limitations and theoretical uncertainties associated with the main sequence fitting method. One unique advantage of studying detached eclipsing binaries (dEBs) in clusters is the ability to plot four or more stars with the same age and chemical composition on a mass-radius or effective temperature-log gravity plot. This is possible when multiple dEBs are part of the same cluster. Some Galactic open clusters, such as NGC 7086, are known to have four or more dEBs. Analyzing dEBs in open clusters has proven to be a valuable method for determining cluster parameters through comparison with theoretical stellar models.