arXiv subjects

B. T. Gaensicke

Publications and source records attributed to B. T. Gaensicke.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

arXiv2002

Rapid variability of accretion in AM Herculis

We present the last pointed observation of AM Her carried out during the life of the BeppoSAX satellite. It was bright at the beginning of the observation, but dropped to the lowest X-ray level ever observed so far. The X-ray emission during the bright period is consistent with accretion occurring onto the main pole of the magnetized white dwarf. The rapid change from the active state to the low deep state indicates a drop by a factor of 17 in the accretion rate and hence that accretion switched-off. The short timescale (less than one hour) of this variation still remains a puzzle. Optical photometry acquired simultaneousy during the low state shows that the white dwarf remains heated, although a weak emission from the accretion stream could be still present. Cyclotron radiation, usually dominating the V and R bands, is negligible thus corroborating the possibility that AM Her was in an off-accretion state. The X-ray emission during the inactive state is consistent with coronal emission from the secondary late type star.

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arXiv2002

Magnetic white dwarfs in the Early Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

We have identified 7 new magnetic DA white dwarfs in the Early Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Our selection strategy has also recovered all the previously known magnetic white dwarfs contained in the SDSS EDR, KUV03292+0035 and HE0330-0002. Analysing the SDSS fibre spectroscopy of the magnetic DA white dwarfs with our state-of-the-art model spectra, we find dipole field strengths 1.5<=B_d<=63MG and effective temperatures 8500<=Teff<=39000K. As a conservative estimate, we expect that the complete SDSS will increase the number of known magnetic white dwarfs by a factor 3.

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arXiv2002

Observations of the Magnetic Cataclysmic Variable VV Puppis with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer

We present the first far-ultraviolet (FUV) observations of the magnetic cataclysmic variable VV Puppis, obtained with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer satellite. In addition, we have obtained simultaneous ground-based optical photometric observations of VV Pup during part of the FUV observation. The shapes of the FUV and optical light curves are consistent with each other and with those of past observations at optical, extreme-ultraviolet, and X-ray wavelengths. Time-resolved FUV spectra during the portion of VV Pup's orbit when the accreting magnetic pole of the white dwarf can be seen show an increasing continuum level as the accretion spot becomes more directly visible. The most prominent features in the spectrum are the O VI 1031.9A, 1037.6A emission lines. We interpret the shape and velocity shift of these lines in the context of an origin in the accretion funnel near the white dwarf surface. A blackbody function with T > 90,000 K provides an adequate fit to the FUV spectral energy distribution of VV Pup.

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arXiv2002

Zeeman tomography of magnetic white dwarfs, I. Reconstruction of the field geometry from synthetic spectra

We have computed optical Zeeman spectra of magnetic white dwarfs for field strengths between 10 and 200MG and effective temperatures between 8000 and 40000K. They form a database containing 20628 sets of flux and circular polarization spectra. A least-squares optimization code based on an evolutionary strategy can recover relatively complex magnetic field topologies from phase-resolved synthetic Zeeman spectra of rotating magnetic white dwarfs. We consider dipole and quadrupole components which are non-aligned and shifted off-centre. The model geometries include stars with a single high-field spot and with two spots separated by approx. 90 degrees. The accuracy of the recovered field structure increases with the signal-to-noise ratio of the input spectra and is significantly improved if circular polarization spectra are included in addition to flux spectra. We discuss the strategies proposed so far to unravel the field geometries of magnetic white dwarfs.

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arXiv2002

Thermal emission from low-field neutron stars

We present a new grid of LTE model atmospheres for weakly magnetic (B<=10e10G) neutron stars, using opacity and equation of state data from the OPAL project and employing a fully frequency- and angle-dependent radiation transfer. We discuss the differences from earlier models, including a comparison with a detailed NLTE calculation. We suggest heating of the outer layers of the neutron star atmosphere as an explanation for the featureless X-ray spectra of RX J1856.5-3754 and RX J0720.4-3125 recently observed with Chandra and XMM.

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arXiv2001

Multi-wavelength spectrophotometry of EX Hydrae

We present phase-resolved infrared and optical spectrophotometry of the intermediate polar EX Hya supplemented by archival ultraviolet data. The spin-modulated emission from the accretion funnel and the emission from the accretion disk or ring contain substantial optically thin components. The white dwarf dominates the unmodulated flux in the ultraviolet and is identified by numerous absorption lines. Metal absorption in the accretion curtain may add to the observed spectral features. The secondary star is of spectral type M4+-1 and is detected by its ellipsoidal modulation. We derive a distance of 65+-11 pc which makes EX Hydrae one of the closest cataclysmic variables with a known distance. The luminosity derived from the integrated overall spectral energy distribution is 3x10^32 erg/s. The accretion rate of 3x10^15 g/s (for an 0.6 Msun white dwarf) is in reasonable agreement with the rates expected from angular momentum loss by gravitational radiation and from the observed spin-up of the white dwarf

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arXiv2001

Implications of the HST/FGS parallax of SS Cygni on the disc instability model

We analyse the consequences of the recently measured parallax of SS Cygni (Harrison et al. 1999) on the accretion disc limit cycle model. Using the observed long term light curve of SS Cyg and d=166 pc, we obtain for the mean mass transfer rate 4.2*10^(17)g/s. In addition, we calculate the vertical structure of the accretion disc taking into account heating of the outer disc by the stream impact. Comparing the mean accretion rate derived from the observations with the calculated critical mass transfer rate, we find that the disc instability model disagrees with the observed long term light curve of SS Cyg as the mean mass transfer rate is greater or similar to the critical mass transfer rate. The failure of the model indicated by this result can be confirmed by considering that the accretion rate at the onset of the decline should be exactly equal to the value critical for stability. In contrast to this prediction of the model, we find that the accretion rate required to explain the observed visual magnitude at the onset of the decline must be significantly higher than the critical mass transfer rate. Our results strongly suggest that either the usually assumed temperature dependence of the viscosity parameter alpha is not a realistic description of the disc viscosity, that the mass transfer rate in SS Cyg noticeably increases during the outbursts or, finally, that the HST distance of 166 pc, is too high.

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arXiv2001

The X-ray emission of the Intermediate Polar V709 Cas

We present RXTE and BeppoSAX observations of the Intermediate Polar V709 Cas acquired in 1997 and 1998 respectively. The X-ray emission from 0.1 to 30keV is dominated by the strong pulsation at the rotational period of the white dwarf (312.8s) with no sign of orbital or sideband periodicity, thus confirming previous ROSAT results. However, we detect changes in the power spectra between the two epochs. While the second harmonic of the spin period is present during both observations, the first harmonic is absent in 1997. An increase in the amplitude of the spin pulsation is found between 1997 and 1998 together with a decrease in the X-ray flux. The average X-ray spectrum from 0.1 to 100keV is well described by an isothermal plasma at ~27keV plus complex absorption and an iron K(alpha) fluorescent line, due to reflection from the white dwarf surface. The rotational pulsation is compatible with complex absorption dominating the low energy range, while the high energy spin modulation can be attributed to tall shocks above the accreting poles. The RXTE spectrum in 1997 also shows the presence of an absorption edge from ionized iron likely located in the pre-shock accretion flow. The variations along the spin period of the partial covering absorber and of reflection are compatible with the classical accretion curtain scenario. The variations in the spin pulse characteristics and X-ray flux indicate that V709 Cas experiences changes in the mass accretion rate on timescales from months to years.

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arXiv2001

HST/STIS spectroscopy of the exposed white dwarf in the short-period dwarf nova EK TrA

We present high resolution Hubble Space Telescope ultraviolet spectroscopy of the dwarf nova EK TrA obtained in deep quiescence. The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph data reveal the broad Ly-alpha absorption profile typical of a moderately cool white dwarf, overlayed by numerous broad emission lines of He, C, N, and Si and by a number of narrow absorption lines, mainly of CI and SiII. Assuming a white dwarf mass in the range 0.3-1.4Msun we derive Teff=17500-23400K for the primary in EK TrA; Teff=18800K for a canonical mass of 0.6Msun. From the narrow photospheric absorption lines, we measure the white dwarf rotational velocity, v*sin i=200+-100kms. Even though the strong contamination of the photospheric white dwarf absorption spectrum by the emission lines prevents a detailed quantitative analysis of the chemical abundances of the atmosphere, the available data suggest slightly sub-solar abundances. The high time resolution of the STIS data allows us to associate the observed ultraviolet flickering with the emission lines, possibly originating in a hot optically thin corona above the cold accretion disk.

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arXiv2001

A model for the optical high state light curve of AM Herculis

We present a simple quantitative model that can describe the photometric B and V band light curves of AM Herculis obtained during a high state. The double-humped shape of the V band light curve is dominated by cyclotron emission from a region at the main accreting pole with an area of ~5x10e16 cm^2 and sustaining an inflow of ~0.06 g/cm^2/s. The almost unmodulated B band is dominated by emission from the accretion stream. The contribution of the heated white dwarf to the optical emission is small in the B band, but comparable to that of the accretion stream in the V band. The emission of the secondary star is negligible both in B and in V.

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arXiv2001

Phase-resolved HST/STIS spectroscopy of the exposed white dwarf in the high-field polar AR UMa

Phase-resolved HST/STIS ultraviolet spectroscopy of the high-field polar AR UMa confirms that the WD photospheric Ly alpha Zeeman features are formed in a magnetic field of ~200 MG. In addition to the Ly alpha pi and sigma+ components, we detect the forbidden hydrogen 1s0->2s0 transition, which becomes ``enabled'' in the presence of both strong magnetic and electric fields. Our attempt in fitting the overall optical+UV low state spectrum with single temperature magnetic WD models remains rather unsatisfactory, indicating either a shortcoming in the present models or a new physical process acting in AR UMa. As a result, our estimate of the WD temperature remains somewhat uncertain, Twd=20000+-5000K. We detect a broad emission bump centered at ~1445A and present throughout the entire binary orbit, and a second bump near ~1650A, which appears only near the inferior conjunction of the secondary star. These are suggestive of low harmonic cyclotron emission produced by low-level (M-dot~1e-13 Msun/yr) accretion onto both magnetic poles. However, there is no evidence in the power spectrum of light variations for accretion in gas blobs. The observed Ly alpha emission line shows a strong phase dependence with maximum flux and redshift near orbital phase phi~0.3, strongly indicating an origin on the trailing hemisphere of the secondary star. An additional Ly alpha absorption feature with similar phasing as the Ly alpha emission, but a \~700km/s blueshift could tentatively be ascribed to absorption of WD emission in a moderately fast wind. We derive a column density of neutral hydrogen of NH=(1.1+-1.0)1e18 cm**-2, the lowest of any known polar.

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arXiv2000

On the occurrence of dwarf nova outbursts in post novae

We show that irradiation of the accretion disc by the white dwarf limits the occurrence of dwarf nova outbursts in post nova accretion discs. After the nova explosion, the white dwarf has to cool for up to ~100 yr - depending on the orbital period (i.e., disc size) and the temperature of the white dwarf after the nova-eruption - before the disc can begin producing dwarf nova outbursts. During this time the inner disc is maintained in a hot, ionised state. Using these calculations, we interpret the long-term photometric variability of the post nova V446 Her (Nova Her 1960) which shows today regular dwarf nova outbursts. As the white dwarf in V446 Her continues to cool over the next \~10-20 yr, we predict an increase in the amplitude of outbursts and a decrease of the outburst frequency, because the decreasing irradiation of the accretion disc should allow an increasing annular extent of the accretion disc to participate in limit cycle oscillations.

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arXiv2000

A Newly Discovered SU UMa-Type Dwarf Nova, HS 1449+6415

We report time-resolved photometric observations of the Hamburg Quasar Survey-selected dwarf nova HS 1449+6415 (= RX J1450.5+6403) during the interval from JD 2451672 to 2451724. During a long outburst with a duration of ~12 days, we detected superhumps with a period of 0.0601(5) d, revealing that this star is an SU UMa star. A short outburst which lasted 3 days was found about 40 days after the onset of the superoutburst. From quiescence observations, we determine an orbital period of 0.05898(2) d. The small outburst amplitude of \~3.5 mag, the short orbital period, and the normal outburst cycle length suggest that HS 1449+6415 is an intermediate object between ER UMa stars with high mass-transfer rates and WZ Sge stars with very low mass-transfer rates.

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arXiv2000

The response of a dwarf nova disc to real mass transfer variations

We present simulations of dwarf nova outbursts taking into account realistic variations of the mass loss rate from the secondary. The mass transfer variation has been derived from 20 years of visual monitoring and from X-ray observations covering various accretion states of the discless cataclysmic variable AM Herculis. We find that the outburst behaviour of a fictitious dwarf nova with the same system parameters as AM Her is strongly influenced by these variations of the mass loss rate. Depending on the mass loss rate, the disc produces either long outbursts, a cycle of one long outburst followed by two short outbursts, or only short outbursts. The course of the transfer rate dominates the shape of the outbursts because the mass accreted during an outburst cycle roughly equals the mass transferred from the secondary over the outburst interval. Only for less than 10% of the simulated time, when the mass transfer rate is nearly constant, the disc is in a quasi-stationary state during which it periodically repeats the same cycle of outbursts. Consequently, assuming that the secondary stars in non-magnetic CV's do not differ from those in magnetic ones, our simulation indicates that probably all dwarf novae are rarely in a stationary state and are constantly adjusting to the prevailing value of the mass transfer rate from the secondary.

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arXiv2000

BeppoSAX observations of AM Herculis in intermediate and high states

Temporal and spectral analyses from BeppoSAX observations of AM Her performed during both an intermediate and a high state are presented and discussed. Optical observations taken a few days after the X-ray ones are also presented. During the intermediate state observation, the source was in its "normal", one-pole accretion mode. In the high state it switched to an hitherto unobserved atypical "two-pole" accretion mode, with significant soft and hard X-ray emission from both poles. The emission from the second pole is much softer than that from the primary pole, while the soft X-ray excess of the primary pole is fairly modest in this accretion mode. These facts suggest that accretion onto the secondary is mainly due to blobs penetrating deeply in the photosphere, while that on the primary pole is mostly via a more homogeneous column, giving rise to the classical standing shock. A strong X-ray flaring activity is also observed in the soft X-ray band, but not the hard X-ray and optical emissions indicating that flares are due to inhomogeneous blobby-accretion events.

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arXiv2000

HS0907+1902: a new 4.2hr eclipsing dwarf nova

We report on follow-up spectroscopy and photometry of the cataclysmic variable candidate HS0907+1902 selected from the Hamburg Quasar Survey. B, V, and R photometry obtained during the first observed outburst of HS0907+1902 (V~13) reveals deep eclipses (DeltaV~2.1-2.8) and an orbital period Porb=4.2h with the eclipse depth decreasing to the red. The outburst eclipse profiles are symmetric, indicating an axisymmetrical brightness distribution in the accretion disc. We derive an inclination i~73deg-79deg from the eclipse duration. The quiescent spectrum obtained with the Hobby-Eberly Telescope shows double peaked emission lines of HI, HeI and FeI,II and clearly identifies the system as a dwarf nova. Absorption features of the secondary star are detected at red wavelengths from which a spectral class M3+-1.5 and a distance of d=320+-100pc are derived.

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arXiv2000

Evidence for a substellar secondary in the magnetic cataclysmic binary EF Eridani

Low-state spectrophotometry of the short-period polar EF Eridani (Porb=81 min) found the system at V=18.0 with no trace of the companion (Wheatley and Ramsay 1998). We show that the lack of such spectral features implies that the companion to the white dwarf in EF Eri has a spectral type later than M9 and is either a transition object at the brink of hydrogen burning or a brown dwarf. The optical low state spectrum indicates a temperature of the white dwarf of Teff=9500+-500K. This is one of the coldest white dwarfs in cataclysmic variables, implying a cooling age t_cool>=10e9 yrs or accretional heating at a rate as given by gravitational radiation. The large age of the system excludes a warm brown dwarf as companion. EF Eri has either just passed through the period minimum of cataclysmic variable stars or has started mass transfer from an old brown dwarf secondary.

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arXiv1999

Eclipse Mapping of the Accretion Stream in UZ Fornacis

We present a new method to map the surface brightness of the accretion streams in AM Herculis systems from observed light curves. Extensive tests of the algorithm show that it reliably reproduces the intensity distribution of the stream for data with a signal-to-noise ratio >5. As a first application, we map the accretion stream emission of Civ lambda 1550 in the polar UZ Fornacis using HST FOS high state spectra. We find three main emission regions along the accretion stream: (1) On the ballistic part of the accretion stream, (2) on the magnetically funneled stream near the primary accretion spot, and (3) on the magnetically funneled stream at a position above the stagnation region.

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