ZTF J185259.31+124955.2: A new evolved disc-eclipsing binary system

¹ Bundesdeutsche Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Veränderliche Sterne e.V. (BAV), Munsterdamm 90, 12169 Berlin, Germany
e-mail: klaus.bernhard@liwest.at
² Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sussex, Brighton BN19QH, UK
e-mail: C.Lloyd@sussex.ac.uk

Received: 1 April 2024
Accepted: 20 May 2024

Abstract

Discs in long-period eclipsing binary systems are rare and can lead to extraordinary eclipsing events. ZTF J185259.31+124955.2 was identified as a candidate disc-eclipsing system through a continuing search programme of ZTF variables with a near-IR excess in the WISE data. Examination of the combined ZTF and ATLAS photometry shows seven eclipses since 2017 with depths of 0.^m34 in all bands on a period of 289.57 ± 0.09 d. The eclipse width is ∼40 d but this and the profile evolve over time. Comparison with library spectra shows that the spectral energy distribution from the available photometry is consistent with an early K-type giant, and fitting black-body profiles suggests T_eff ∼ 4000 K for the stellar component, with a cool component having T_eff < 500 K. The reddening and distance, and hence the luminosity place the star within the giant branch. The most likely scenario is that the system is in a state of rapid evolution following Case B/C mass transfer into an extended disc around an unseen companion.