Absolute parameters of southern eclipsing binary: MW Pup

•We present the first analysis of spectroscopic and photometric observations of MW Pup.•The orbital and physical parameters of the system were obtained.•Our model describes MW Pup as an Algol-like binary star with a detached configuration.

This paper presents the first analysis of spectroscopic and photometric observations of the southern eclipsing binary star MW Pup. ASAS V light and SAAO radial velocity curves of the system were solved simultaneously using Wilson–Devinney code. The results describe MW Pup as an Algol-like binary star with a detached configuration. The masses of the components were found to be 2.20 ±± 0.06 and 1.88 ±± 0.07 M⊙ and the radii to be 1.84 ±± 0.03 and 1.72 ±± 0.03 R⊙ for primary and secondary components, respectively. The distance to MW Pup was calculated to be 430 ±± 30 pc from the dynamic parallax, neglecting interstellar absorption, in agreement with the value derived from the eclipse-parallax method. The evolution of the system is also discussed. Both components are unevolved Main Sequence stars and the dynamic age of the system is estimated as 263 ±± 70 My when compared to theoretical evolution models.