CCD photometry of the W UMa type TY Boo

The light curves could all be represented by a unique geometry and by wavelength consistent photometric parameters of a two-spot model on either stellar component. It is confirmed that TY Boo is a shallow W-type contact binary system with a degree of contact factor of f=7.6%(+/-0.8).

A period investigation based on all available data shows a long-term decrease (dP/dt=-3.65x10^-8^days/yr) and an oscillation (P_3_=58.9yr, A=0.0254days). Without ruling out the presence of a tertiary companion, the weight of evidence points to an active cyclic magnetic activity that causes spot formation rather than an unseen companion. Mass transfer between the components and angular momentum loss are also considered as possible mechanisms.