Physical parameters of the Algol system VW Hydrae from simultaneous analysis of Geneva seven-colour light curves

The absolute elements of the components are for the primary (mass gainer), with the value of Teff1 fixed, M1 = 3.10 ± 0.07M⊙, R1 = 2.60 ± 0.01R⊙, Mbol1=0.05±0.01, and for the secondary (mass loser), M2 = 0.76 ± 0.02M⊙, R2 = 3.38 ± 0.01R⊙, Mbol2=2.90±0.01,Teff2=4848±6K. The semi-major axis A of the relative orbit is 12.771 ± 0.090R⊙. The estimated spectral types of the components are about B8/9 V (primary) and F9 III. The equatorial rotational velocity of the primary (54 km s−1) shows that the system is synchronised. The distance to VW Hya is evaluated to 1122 ± 42 pc, and the colour excess E[B2 − V1] to 0.046 ± 0.022.