The Digital Press

A study identified 23 extreme eclipsing binary star systems with large brightness changes and very uneven eclipse depths, all dominated by A-type stars. Most are newly discovered Algol-type binaries undergoing stable mass transfer from stripped subgiant donors to accreting stars.

Why it matters: These binaries provide unique laboratories to study stable mass transfer and Algol-type binary evolution.

The big picture: Donor stars have lost most of their mass, transferring it to A-type accretors, altering their luminosity and evolution.

Stunning stat: Eclipse depth ratios exceed 20 with brightness variability over 0.3 magnitudes in the ZTF g band.

Quick takeaway: 22 of 23 systems are new discoveries, with orbital periods between 2.57 and 19.21 days and ongoing mass transfer.