UBVRI CCD observations and analyses for the near-contact binary, LP Cephei

As part of our study of eccentric eclipsing binary candidates, we have obtained multiband CCD light curves of LP Cephei formed from observations taken at Kitt Peak National Observatory in 1994 September. The CCDPHOT system was used in conjunction with the 0.9 m Cassegrain reflector telescope and standard Johnson U, B, V, and Cousins R and I filters. Five epochs of minimum light were determined and an improved linear ephemeris was calculated. The first published synthetic light curve solutions of LP Cep are presented. Our analysis reveals that LP Cep is in a near-contact semidetached configuration consisting of an F2 spectral-type primary component with a fillout similar to 78% and a K1 secondary filling its Roche lobe. Despite the earlier reports that LP Cep has a displaced secondary eclipse, our light curves show no such effect. The presence of a spot due to a tenuous, intermittent gas stream and star spot activity may be the source of such asymmetries. (C) 1997 American Astronomical Society.