2000A&A...363.1019T

New spectral classification, photometric and speckle measurements of visual binary star WDS 00550+2338 are presented. The composite spectrum confirms it belongs to the late type subgiants (K0 IV) and is located above the main sequence. Speckle spectroscopy data allowed us to classify A and B components separately as G8 IV and K3 IV. A brightness increase of 0.56mag and 0.28mag in B and V colors, respectively, has been detected during 27 hours of BV photometric observations in the course of two observing runs in 1997 and 1999. New astrometric data are presented confirming the good quality of the last published orbit for this star. On the basis of its orbital data and parallax the total mass of the system, close to 2M_☉, is derived. It is suggested that registered variability looks similar to flare-like events usually observed in young pre-main sequence stars, while further photometric observations are needed to confirm the character of variation. No significant polarization signal has been detected for this star.