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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

CPD -48 deg 1577 - The brightest known cataclysmic variable

The discovery is reported of a V = 9.4 mag star which has the properties of a cataclysmic variable. Its UBV colors are similar to those of UX UMa, and its brightness fickers with an amplitude of the order of 0.1 mag. Larger brightness variations (0.5 mag) are found on a time scale of years. Its spectrum is characterized by extremely weak absorption lines of He I and He II, as well as extremely broad, shallow lines of H. A broad K line is very weakly present in absorption. Emission cores with a very slow decrement are seen in the H lines. From a comparison with the known properties of other cataclysmic variables, the distance, reddening, and mass exchange rate are estimated. The space density of cataclysmic variables is also estimated, since the original spectroscopic survey is complete to magnitude B = 10.0.

Krzeminski, W.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Rapid oscillations in cataclysmic variables. VIII - YY Draconis (=3A 1148 + 719)

A 16th magnitude cataclysmic variable presumably a dwarf nova, was detected near one of the positions permitted for the hard (2-10 keV) X-ray source 3A 1148 + 719. The optical and UV spectra of YY Dra are fairly typical of cataclysmic variables, except that the TiO absorption bands of an M dwarf can be seen for greater than 5000 A. This shows that the accretion disk is intrinsically faint in quiescence, suggesting a very low accretion rate. Yet the fairly blue continuum slope in the vacuum UV indicates the presence of a small hot object, presumably the white dwarf. The radial velocities at H-alpha indicate a 4.0-hr orbital period, and the IR light curve appears to show the expected 'double-humped' waveform from the distorted secondary. High-speed photometry in the U band reveals a stable periodicity of about 1-percent semiamplitude at a period of 275 s, with some power also in the subharmonic at about 550 s.

Patterson, J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Studying cataclysmic variables with the Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope with its UV and imaging capabilities will allow new methods of investigating cataclysmic variables to be used. It provides the first opportunity to obtain high-time-resolution UV observations of cataclysmic variables, both spectroscopically and photometrically. Phase-resolved observations of eclipses can now be obtained which will allow the UV surface-brightness distributions in accretion disks to be studied. Eclipses of white dwarfs that were not visible in optical light will be detected in some systems. Other variations such as dips (in dwarf novae, intermediate polars, and polars), flickering, and oscillations can also be resolved for the first time in the UV. High-spatial-resolution, long-slit spectroscopy, and imaging with the FOC and WF/PC can be used to study the physical condition and morphology of ejected material around novae, recurrent novae, and precataclysmic variables. The UV and H-alpha imaging capabilities will also enable searches for cataclysmic variables in globular clusters to be carried out further into their cores than has been possible before.

Wood, Janet H.↗
NASA NTRS1981

X-ray observations of selected cataclysmic variable stars using the Einstein Observatory

X-ray observations of 12 cataclysmic variable stars using the Einstein Observatory are reported. Nine of these stars, representing all subclasses of cataclysmic variables, were detected. Their fluxes range from 2 x 10 to the -13th to 1 x 10 to the -11th ergs/sq cm-s in the energy interval 0.16-4.5 keV. The spectra of all the sources detected are relatively hard (kT not less than 5 keV). There is no evidence for an ultrasoft emission component (kT of about 50 eV) such as has been observed from the dwarf novae SS Cyg and U Gem during optical outburst. The X-ray and optical fluxes of the objects observed can be understood in terms of differences in mass accretion rate if the accreting stars in these close binary systems possess a weak magnetic field.

Cordova, F. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Optical observations of new X-ray emitting cataclysmic variables

Two X-ray emitting cataclysmic variables were discovered as a result of a program to identify faint X-ray sources located by the HEAO-A3 modulation collimator experiment. The objects, H0534-581 and 1H0542-407, have similar high excitation spectra with intense emission lines showing broad and narrow components. Photometry shows that H0534-581 and 1H0542-407 have average magnitudes of V=14.9 and 15.7 respectively, leading to Lx/Lopt ratios of 1.5 (typical of dwarf novae in quiescence). While pronounced variability of delta B or = 1.5 mag is observed from both systems, there is no clear evidence for repeatable orbital periods between 1 and 4 hr.

Tuohy, I. R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

X ray spectra of cataclysmic variables

X ray spectral parameters of cataclysmic variables observed with the 'Einstein' imaging proportional counter were determined by fitting an optically thin, thermal bremsstrahlung spectrum to the raw data. Most of the sources show temperatures of order a few keV, while a few sources exhibit harder spectra with temperatures in excess of 10 keV. Estimated 0.1 to 3.5 keV luminosities are generally in the range from 10(exp 30) to 10(exp 32) erg/sec. The results are consistent with the x rays originating in a disk/white dwarf boundary layer of non-magnetic systems, or in a hot, post-shock region in the accretion column of DQ Her stars, with a negligible contribution from the corona of the companion. In a few objects column densities were found that are unusually high for interstellar material. It was suggested that the absorption occurs in the system itself.

Patterson, Joseph↗
DOE OSTI2020

Follow-up Studies of Five Cataclysmic Variable Candidates Discovered by LAMOST

We report follow-up observations of five cataclysmic variable candidates from the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) published by Hou et al. LAMOST J024048.51+195226.9 is the most unusual of the five; an early-M type secondary star contributes strongly to its spectrum, and its spectral and photometric behavior are strikingly reminiscent of the hitherto-unique propeller system AE Aqr. We confirm that a 7.34 hr period discovered in the Catalina survey data is orbital. Another object, LAMOST J204305.95+341340.6, appears to be a near twin of the novalike variable V795 Her, with an orbital period in the so-called 2–3 hr “gap.” LAMOST J035913.61+405035.0 is evidently an eclipsing, weakly outbursting dwarf nova with a 5.48 hr period. Our spectrum of LAMOST J090150.09+375444.3 is dominated by a late-type secondary and shows weak, narrow Balmer emission moving in phase with the absorption lines, but at lower amplitude; we do not see the He ii λ4686 emission evident in the published discovery spectrum. We again confirm that a period from the Catalina data, in this case 6.80 hr, is orbital. LAMOST J033940.98+414805.7 yields a radial-velocity period of 3.54 hr, and its spectrum appears to be typical of novalike variables in this period range. The spectroscopically selected sample from LAMOST evidently includes some interesting cataclysmic variables that have been unrecognized until now, apparently because of the relatively modest range of their photometric variations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1992

EC 19314 - 5915 - A bright, eclipsing cataclysmic variable from the Edinburgh-Cape Blue Object Survey

A deeply eclipsing cataclysmic variable, with an orbital period of 4.75 hr, has been discovered in the southern Edinburgh-Cape Blue Object Survey. The star, EC 19314 - 5915, lies close to the positional constraints of a previously unidentified HEAO-1 hard X-ray source, 1H1930 - 5989. Its optical spectrum is unusual in that it shows, apart from the emission lines characteristic of a novalike, or dwarf nova cataclysmic variable (Balmer, He I and He II), metallic absorption lines typical of a late-G star. The individual time-resolved spectra, with the tertiary absorption lines removed, show absorption reversals in the Balmer emission lines, increasing in strength for the higher series. The Balmer emission radial velocities are therefore severely distorted in comparison to the He II 4686-A emission and He I 4471-A absorption radial velocity curves. An independent distance estimate of about 600 pc is derived for EC19314 - 5915, from the spectroscopic parallax of the third star.

Buckley, D. A. H.↗
NASA NTRS1987

IUE observations of HL CMa and the winds of cataclysmic variables

As evidenced by the P Cygni profiles of their ultraviolet resonance lines, cataclysmic variables - like early-type stars - are known to have extensive, high velocity winds. Assisted by AAVSO visual data and IUE ultraviolet spectra, an observational and theoretical study of the P Cygni profiles of the dwarf nova HL CMa is presented. As these profiles are dependent upon the ionization structure of the wind, a model of a radiatively-driven shocked wind for cataclysmic variables is described, and results for the temperature and ionization structure of the outflowing gas are presented.

Mauche, C. W.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Rapid oscillations in cataclysmic variables. X - TW Pictoris (=H 0534-581)

Photometry of the X-ray-selected cataclysmic variable TW Pictoris (=H 0534-581) reveals a periodic signal at P = 6.1 hr, which is approximately the orbital period of the binary. In addition, a highly probable signal is found at P = 119.76 +/- 0.09 min. Coupled with the high excitation, the high L(x)/L(opt) ratio, and the probable detection of a similar spectroscopic period, this makes it likely that the star belongs to the 'DQ Herculis' class of cataclysmic variable in which the stable short period is the spin period of an accreting magnetic white dwarf. Theory suggests that TW Pic is a particularly attractive candidate for showing circular polarization at visual or near-infrared wavelengths.

Patterson, Joseph↗
NASA NTRS1985

On the observed properties and long-term structure and evolution of white dwarfs in cataclysmic variables

An attempt is made to explain the observed surface temperatures and luminosities of cataclysmic variable white dwarfs based on the cooling physics and time-averaged structure of the white dwarf in response to accretion. The evolutionary changes in core temperature and core luminosity as an accreting white dwarf evolves quasi-statically are compared with the cooling evolution of a nonaccreting, one solar mass, pure C-12 core. Then, the evolutionary behavior of the white dwarf envelope in mass and temperature, in response to long-term accretion, is used to predict temperatures and luminosities of white dwarfs during quiescent intervals between nova outbursts. It is shown that the observed luminosities and effective temperatures of the bare white dwarfs detected in some cataclysmic variables are the expected intrinsic values associated with classical nova thermonuclear outburst cycles. Two alternate interpretations of their observed surface temperatures and luminosities are assessed.

Sion, E. M.↗
DOE OSTI2021

ASAS J071404+7004.3 – a close, bright nova-like cataclysmic variable with gusty winds

ABSTRACT Despite being bright (V ≃ 11.8) and nearby (d = 212 pc) ASAS J071404+7004.3 has only recently been identified as a nova-like cataclysmic variable. We present time-resolved optical spectroscopy obtained at the Isaac Newton and the Hiltner and McGraw-Hill Telescopes, together with Swift X-ray and ultraviolet observations. We combined these with TESS photometry and find a period of 3.28 h and a mass transfer rate of $4\!-\!9\times 10^{-9}\, {\mathrm{M_{\odot }\, yr}^{-1}}$. Historical photometry shows at least one low state establishing the system as a VY Scl star. Our high-cadence spectroscopy also revealed rapidly changing winds emanating from the accretion disc. We have modelled these using the Monte Carlo python code and shown that all the emission lines could emanate from the wind – which would explain the lack of double-peaked lines in such systems. In passing, we discuss the effect of variability on the position of cataclysmic variables in the Gaia Hertzsprung–Russell diagram.

Inight, K. (ORCID:0000000222002416)↗
NASA NTRS1993

Cataclysmic variables and related objects

This volume begins with an introductory chapter on general properties of cataclysmic variables. Chapters 2 through 5 of Part 1 are devoted to observations and interpretation of dwarf novae and nova-like stars. Chapters 6 through 10, Part 2, discuss the general observational properties of classical and recurrent novae, the theoretical models, and the characteristics and models for some well observed classical novae and recurrent novae. Chapters 11 through 14 of Part 3 are devoted to an overview of the observations of symbiotic stars, to a description of the various models proposed for explaining the symbiotic phenomenon, and to a discussion of a few selected objects, respectively. Chapter 15 briefly examines the many unsolved problems posed by the observations of the different classes of cataclysmic variables and symbiotic stars.

Hack, Margherita↗
NASA NTRS1997

On the Existence of Low-Luminosity Cataclysmic Variables Beyond the Orbital Period Minimum

Models of the present-day intrinsic population of cataclysmic variables predict that 99 per cent of these systems should be of short orbital period. The Galaxy is old enough that approx. 70 per cent of these stars will have already reached their orbital period minimum (approx. 80 min), and should be evolving back toward longer periods. Mass-transfer rates in these highly evolved binaries are predicted to be less or equal to 10(exp -11), leading to M(sub V) of approx. 10 or fainter, and the secondaries would be degenerate, brown dwarf-like stars. Recent observations of a group of low-luminosity dwarf novae (TOADS) provide observational evidence for systems with very low intrinsic M,. and possibly low-mass secondaries. We carry out population synthesis and evolution calculations for a range of assumed ages of the Galaxy in order to study P(sub orb) and M distributions for comparison with the TOAD observations. We speculate that at least some of the TOADs are the predicted very low- luminosity, post-period-minimum cataclysmic variables containing degenerate (brown dwarf-like) secondaries having masses between 0.02 and 0.06 M, and radii near 0.1 R., We show that these low-luminosity systems are additionally interesting in that they can be used to set a lower limit on the age of the Galaxy. The TOAD with the longest orbital period currently known (123 min), corresponds to a Galaxy age of at least 8.6 x 10(exp 9) yr.

Howell, Steve B.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Spectroscopy of cataclysmic variables. I - Observations

Spectroscopic observations of 69 cataclysmic variables are presented. Representative spectra, accurate coordinates, and finding charts are given for each object. Line strengths, equivalent widths, and line widths for all emission lines in 153 spectra are tabulated. The spectra are discussed briefly, and notes to selected objects are given.

Williams, G.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Winds from Cataclysmic Variables

Current understanding of the winds from Cataclysmic Variables is discussed, with particular emphasis on the understanding and modeling of the line profiles. Recent efforts at constructing such models are summarized, and a dynamical model is constructed which may serve to illustrate some of the physical principles acting in CV winds.

Kallman, T.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Mass transfer cycles in cataclysmic variables

It is well known that in cataclysmic variables the mass transfer rate must fluctuate about the evolutionary mean on timescales too long to be directly observable. We show that limit-cycle behavior can occur if the radius change of the secondary star is sensitive to the instantaneous mass transfer rate. The only reasonable way in which such a dependence can arise is through irradiation of this star by the accreting component. The system oscillates between high states, in which irradiation causes slow expansion of the secondary and drives an elevated transfer rate, and low states, in which this star contracts.

King, A. R.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Hot subdwarfs in detached binary systems and thick-disk cataclysmic variables from the Palomar-Green survey

A total of 19 stars from the Palomar Green (PG) survey which were found to show composite spectra, generally with a hot subdwarf primary and a cool main-sequence secondary star, are discussed. The primary components have Teff values between 27,000 and 38,000 K (Mv = +5 to +7) and log g = about 6.5, while the secondaries generally show spectral types G8 to K4.5; however, these ranges are undoubtedly limited by selection effects, and extremely helium-rich subdwarfs were excluded as well. Aproximately half of all the PG subdwarfs could be in undetected binaries. Only two thick-disk cataclysmic variables with predominantly absorption-line spectra were found in the PG survey, which provides strong evidence that this kind of cataclysmic variable is luminous and confined to the Galactic plane (Population I). On the other hand, a few of the detached binaries show evidence for spectroscopic variations. Those which are close enough for a significant reflection effect on the secondary star may be progenitors to cataclysmic variable systems.

Ferguson, D. H.↗