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The Accuracy of Visually Determined Times of Primary Minima of Algol-Type Variables

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Anthony D. Mallama

Ritter Astrophysical Research Center, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the accuracy of visually determined times of primary minima of Algol-type variables. The results should aid visual observers in selecting stars having light curves which lend themselves to accurate determinations of minimum times. It will be shown that this selection can be made on the basis of two simple parameters. Also, persons studying the periods and period changes of Algol-type variables can use the same parameters to estimate the standard deviation in the available visual times of minima for the star under investigation.