This is a near-contact[15] binary system with a circular orbit having a period of 19.61 hours.[4] The
orbital plane is inclined at an angle of 88° to the line of sight from the Earth,[7] allowing both components to eclipse each other once per orbit. During the deep[4] primary eclipse the system decreases in brightness by 0.96 magnitude, while the shallower secondary eclipse decreases the system by 0.64 magnitude.[15] Cyclical oscillations in the orbital period have been observed with two short-term periods of 9.2 and 11.8 years, and a longer-term oscillation of 51.7 years. The short term oscillations may be due to
magnetic activity on the stars, while the longer period could be caused by an unseen third body.[16]
Both components of this system are
G-type main-sequence stars, with
stellar classifications of G0V and G2V, respectively.[4] Evidence of
star spots have been found on both stars, but appear to be predominantly on the secondary component.[9] The two stars are somewhat larger and more massive than the Sun.[7]
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Xiang, Fu Yuan; Zhou, Yi Chun (June 2004), "A Photometric Analysis and Spot Activity of BH Virginis", Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan, 56 (3): 469–474,
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Heckert, P. A.; Summers, D. L. (August 1995), "1994 photometry of BH Virginis", Information Bulletin on Variable Stars, 4225: 1,
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Heckert, P. A.; Summers, D. L. (August 1994), "1993 BVRI Photometry of BH Virginis", Information Bulletin on Variable Stars, 4062: 1,
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Zhai, D. S.; et al. (October 1990), "An analysis of basic parameters and SPOT activities of the solar-type binary system BH Virginis", Astronomy and Astrophysics, 237: 148,
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Derman, E.; et al. (December 1989), "1989 Light Curves of BH Vir", Information Bulletin on Variable Stars, 3404: 1,
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Zeilik, M.; et al. (May 1990), "Long-Term Starspot Activity of Short-Period RS Canum Venaticorum Stars. III. BH Virginis", Astrophysical Journal, 354: 352,
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Scaltriti, F.; et al. (August 1985), "Photometry of southern stars. II. Further evidence of spots in the eclipsing binary BH Virginis", Astronomy and Astrophysics, 149: 11–14,
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Giuricin, G.; et al. (January 1984), "Lightcurve analysis for the eclipsing binaries ST Car, RY Ind and BH Vir", Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 206 (2): 305–313,
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Botsula, R. A. (1978), "Instability in detached binary systems of the main sequence with solar-type components. II. BH Virginis", Peremennye Zvezdy (in Russian), 20: 577–587,
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