The high-amplitude δ Scuti variable CY Aqr is probably a triple system

Data representing 864 times of light maxima of the high-amplitude δ Scuti star CY Aqr were collected from the literature, based on which, long-term period changes of the variable star were investigated. A revised period and new ephemerides were given for the pulsating star. Remarkable cyclic variations were found in the O – C residuals which can be attributed to the light-time effects due to probable unseen components of the object. By using Kopal's method, the orbital parameters of the supposed component stars were derived. The solution suggests that CY Aqr is very probably in a triple system orbited eccentrically by two low-mass companions with periods of 54.2 and 47.3 yr. The lower limits on masses were estimated as 0.04 M _⊙ and 0.02 M _⊙, respectively, for the two hidden companions. (paper)