Spectroscopy of V471 Tau. I. Review of basic properties

Spectroscopic observations of the eclipsing binary V471 Tau are reported and analyzed. Data obtained mainly in the red band at Mt. Wilson Observatory and KPNO during the period 1975-1983 are compiled in extensive tables and graphs, and the radial velocity of the K dwarf component is determined using a Griffin-mask technique. Results discussed include: (1) distance 44 + or - 6 pc, (consistent with membership in the Hyades), (2) apparent period variation consistent with a third component, (3) emissionlike features affecting the radial-velocity determination, (4) transient features consistent with the presence of flares, and (5) phase-coherent variation in H-alpha (attributed to the action of the white-dwarf Lyman continuum emission on the K dwarf). 70 references.