arXiv subjects

I. L. Andronov

Publications and source records attributed to I. L. Andronov.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Spin-period variations in the intermediate polar RX J2133.7+5107

We report the results of long-term time series photometry on RX J2133.7+5107 (also known as 1RXS J213344.1+510725) obtained at several observatories. Using data taken during 17 years, we determined the current value of the spin period of $570.811470$ seconds with the formal accuracy of $0.000006$ seconds and a spin-up of the white dwarf with a characteristic time of $1.483(1)\times10^5$ years. This is even faster than that reported previously and, if confirmed, makes this object have one of the fastest spin-up timescales of all known intermediate polars. We derived an improved value of the superhump period of the system to be $0^d.280130(1)$. Superhump maxima timings are moving on the phase curve from season to season, showing non-monotonic changes, without a change in superhump period.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2021

High time resolution broad-band polarimetry: technique, calibration and standards

Regular large-scale polarimetric observations in Crimean astrophysical observatory began in the early 1960s. In 2002 - 2017 the single-channel aperture photometer-polarimeter with a quarter-wave plate at the 2.6-m Shajn mirror telescope (SMT) was used. We accumulated a large homogeneous data set of polarimetric observations of different types of objects that are to be published separately. Correct polarimetric data processing requires high polarization standards and zero-polarization stars. We aim to improve the data reduction and calibration process to obtain further results with highest possible accuracy. High time resolution broad-band (WR, R, V, B, U) polarization observations are made of 98 known standard stars (527 time series with total duration about 184 hours). We determined values of linear and circular polarization for 98 nearby Northern bright stars. This catalogue is not compilative, but obtained using the same instrument and technique during large time interval. It will be used for our future research and it may be used by other authors. We implemented the least squares approach for determination of the Stokes parameters. It allowed us to obtain results with the accuracy better then we obtained using previously used methods. We report suspicious or variable stars that are not suitable as standards for high precision polarimetry.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2021

The MAGIC project. III. Radial and azimuthal Galactic abundance gradients using classical Cepheids

Radial abundance gradients provide sound constraints for chemo-dynamical models of galaxies. Azimuthal variations of abundance ratios are solid diagnostics to understand their chemical enrichment. In this paper we investigate azimuthal variations of abundances in the Milky Way using Cepheids. We provide the detailed chemical composition (25 elements) of 105 Classical Cepheids from high-resolution SALT spectra observed by the MAGIC project. Negative abundance gradients, with abundances decreasing from the inner to the outer disc, have been reported both in the Milky Way and in external galaxies, and our results are in full agreement with literature results. We find azimuthal variations of the oxygen abundance [O/H]. While a large number of external spirals show negligible azimuthal variations, the Milky Way seems to be one of the few galaxies with noticeable [O/H] azimuthal asymmetries. They reach ~0.2 dex in the inner Galaxy and in the outer disc, where they are the largest, thus supporting similar findings for nearby spiral galaxies as well as recent 2D chemo-dynamical models.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2021

R Scuti: Close Alternating Pulsation Periods or Chaos in the RV Tau -- Type Star?

Results of analysis of 60010 data photometric observations from the AAVSO international database are presented, which span 120 years of monitoring. The periodogram analysis shows the best fit period of 70.74d, a half of typically published periods for smaller intervals. Contrary to expectation for deep/shallow minima, the changes between them are not so regular. There may be series of deep (or shallow) minima without alternations. There may be two acting periods of 138.5 days and 70.74, so the beat modulation may be expected. The dependence of the phases of deep minima argue for two alternating periods with a characteristic life-time of a mode of 30years. These phenomenological results better explain the variability than the model of chaos.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2019

On the spin and orbital variability of the intermediate polars

We present a review of the results of long-term photometric monitoring of selected magnetic cataclysmic binary systems, which belong to a class named "Intermediate polars". We found a spin period variability in the V2306 Cygni system. We confirm the strong negative superhump variations in the intermediate polar RX J2133.7+5107 and improved a characteristic time of white dwarf spin-up in this system. We have investigated the periodic modulation of the spin phases with the orbital phase in MU Camelopardalis. We can propose simple explanation as the influence of orbital sidebands in the periodic signal produced by intermediate polar.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2019

Third components with elliptical orbits in the eclipsing binaries

In our research, we studied 9 eclipsing binary stars: AR Lac, U CrB, S Equ, SU Boo, VV UMa, WW Gem, YY Eri, V0404 Lyr, HP Aur. We collected large sets of moments of minima from BRNO and observational data from AAVSO databases. Then, we obtained moments of minima for AAVSO observations (totally - 397 minima) using method of approximation with symmetric polynomial, realized in software MAVKA. This software was provided by Kateryna D. Andrych and Ivan L. Andronov. After we combined obtained moments of minima with data taken from BRNO and plotted O-C diagrams. For all stars these diagrams represented sinusoidal-like oscillations with superposition of linear (for SU Boo, VV UMa, WW Gem, V0404 Lyr and HP Aur) or parabolic trend (for AR Lac, U CrB, S Equ and YY Eri). The oscillations could be described as presence of the third component, which does not take part in eclipses, but causes the well-known light-time effect (LTE). That effect could be easily detected using long data series of observations. However, the oscillations have clear asymmetry, which we interpreted as elliptical shape of the third components orbit. Parabolic trend we explained as mass transfer between components of binary system. For all stars we computed minimal possible mass of the third component. In addition, we developed our own code in computed language Python and using it we computed orbital elements of the third component. Moreover, for stars with parabolic trend we calculated rate of the mass transfer. Finally, for all computed values we estimated errors.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2018

Period Variations and Possible Third Components in the Eclipsing Binaries AH Tauri and ZZ Cassiopeiae

We investigated two variable stars AH Tau and ZZ Cas. They are eclipsing binaries of W UMa and $β$ Lyr types. The period changes with time. The reason for steady changes of the period could be the mass transfer (the flow of matter) between components of these stellar systems. For ZZ Cas the changes of the period are cyclic caused by the presence of the hypothetical third component (either a small star or a large planet). The cyclic changes of the period for AH Tau superimpose on steady ones (the period decrease) indicating for a third component and mass transfer. The third components do not take part in the eclipses. However, due to their gravity, they make the visible close binary systems rotate and become closer or further to an observer, causing the Light-Time Effect (LTE). Generally, an orbit of a third component is not a circle, but an ellipse and it is inclined relatively to the observer's line of sight. Using the O-C curve, we estimated the parameters of a third component's orbit, such as a semi-major axis, an eccentricity, angles of orientation and a period of a third component's rotation. We elaborated a modeling program using the computer language Python. We calculated errors of third component's orbit parameters and even estimated its mass. The values of masses of the third components within errors of calculations show that the third components are probably stars. All these calculations were made using all available data from international database BRNO (Brno Regional Network for Observers). Moreover, we used moments of minima which we calculated as the result of observation processing from the AAVSO database.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2017

Atlas of the Light Curves and Phase Plane Portraits of Selected Long-Period Variables

For a group of the Mira-type stars, semi-regular variables and some RV Tau - type stars the limit cycles were computed and plotted using the phase plane diagrams. As generalized coordinates x and $\dot{x},$ we have used $ϕ$ - the brightness of the star and its phase derivative. We have used mean phase light curves using observations of various authors from the databases of AAVSO, AFOEV, VSOLJ, ASAS and approximated using a trigonometric polynomial of statistically optimal degree. As generalized coordinates x and $\dot{x}$, we have used m - the brightness of the star and its phase derivative. For a simple sine-like light curve, the limit cycle is a simple ellipse. In a case of more complicated light curve, in which harmonics are statistically significant, the limit cycle has deviations from the ellipse. In an addition to a classical analysis, we use the error estimates of the smoothing function and its derivative to constrain an "error corridor" in the phase plane.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2013

Variability of the Spin Period of the White Dwarf in the Intermediate Polar V405 Aur: Low-Mass Third Body or Precession ?

We present the results of photometric CCD observations of the magnetic cataclysmic variable V405 Aurigae (RX J0558.0+5353 = 1RXS J055800.7+535358) obtained using different instruments. We analysed variability of the spin period of the white dwarf in the V405 Aur (RX J0558.0+5353) system using our observations and previously published maxima timings. The spin period of the system in 2010-2012 is $P=545.4558163(94)$s. As we have gaps in observational data, we present 2 hypotheses of the spin period variability of this system - a cubic ephemeris which may be interpreted by a precession of the magnetic white dwarf or a periodic change with a period of 6.2 years and semi-amplitude of $17.2\pm1.8$ sec. The periodic variations may be interpreted by a light-time effect caused by a low-mass star ($M_3\ge0.09M_\odot$). In this case, the system belongs to a rare class of cataclysmic variables with a third body.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2011

Photometric Study of the Unusual Binary System VSX J052807.9+725606

The results of three-color BVR photometric study of a recently discovered unusual binary system VSX J052807.9+725606 = USNO-B1.0 1629-0064825 are presented. This system is very similar to V361 Lyr, which was assumed to be unique. We confirmed a strong asymmetry of the phase curve and found the wavelength dependence of the amplitude. This is interpreted by a "direct impact" model with a "hot spot" in the atmosphere of the accreting component. Color temperatures are determined. Characteristics of the "hot spot" are estimated. We also calculated the new ephemeris for VSX J052807.9+725606.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2008

Nova-Like Cataclysmic Variable TT Ari: QPO Behaviour Coming Back From Positive Superhumps

We study the variability of the nova-like cataclysmic variable TT Ari, on time-scales of between minutes and months. The observations in the filter R were obtained at the 40-cm telescope of the Chungbuk National University (Korea). TT Ari was in the "negative superhump" state after its return from the "positive superhump" state, which lasted 8 years. The ephemeris for 12 best pronounced minima is $T_{min}=BJD 2453747.0700(47)+0.132322(53)E.$ where numbers in digits are errors in units of the last digit. The phases of minima may reach 0.2, indicating non-eclipse nature of these minima. The quasi-periodic oscillations (QPO) are present with a mean "period" of 21.6 min and mean semi-amplitude of 36 mmag. This value is consistent with the range 15-25 minutes reported for previous "negative superhump" states and does not support the hypothesis of secular decrease of the QPO period. Either the period, or the semi-amplitude show significant night-to-night variations. According to the position at the two-parameter diagrams, the interval of observations was splitted into 5 parts, showing different characteristics which are discussed in this paper. The system is an excellent laboratory to study processes resulting in variations at time-scales from seconds to decades and needs further monitoring at various states of activity.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Multiple time scales in cataclysmic binaries. The low-field magnetic dwarf nova DO Draconis

We study the variability of the cataclysmic variable DO Dra, on time-scales of between minutes and decades. The characteristic decay time dt/dm=0.902(3) days/mag was estimated from our 3 nights of CCD R observations. The quiescent data show a photometric wave with a cycle about 303(15)d. We analyzed the profile of the composite (or mean) outburst. We discovered however, that a variety of different outburst heights and durations had occurred, contrary to theoretical predictions. With increasing maximum brightness, we find that the decay time also increases; this is in contrast to the model predictions, which indicate that outbursts should have a constant shape. This is interpreted as representing the presence of outburst-to-outburst variability of the magnetospheric radius. A presence of a number of missed weak narrow outbursts is predicted from this statistical relationship. A new type of variability is detected, during 3 subsequent nights in 2007: periodic (during one nightly run) oscillations with rapidly-decreasing frequency from 86 to 47 cycles/day and a semi-amplitude increasing from 0.06 to 0. 10, during a monotonic brightness increase from 14. 27 to 14. 13. This phenomenon was observed only during an unusually prolonged event of about 1 mag brightening in 2007 (lasting till autumn), during which no (expected) outburst was detected. We refer to this behaviour as to the transient periodic oscillations (TPO). To study this new and interesting phenomenon, new regular photometric and spectral (in a target of opportunity mode) observations are required.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

Orbital and spin variability of the Intermediate Polar BG CMi

Results of a CCD study of the variability of the cataclysmic variable BG CMi obtained at the Korean 1.8m telescope in 2002-2005 are presented. The "multi-comparison star" method had been applied for better accuracy estimates. The linear ephemeris based on 19 mean maxima for 2002--2005 is HJD 2453105.31448(6)+0.01057257716(198)(E-764707). The period differs from that predicted by the quadratic ephemeris by Pych et al. (1996) leading to a possible cycle miscount. The statistically optimal ephemeris is a fourth-order polynomial, as a quadratic or even a cubic ephemeris leads to unaceptably large residuals: Min.HJD=$ 2445020.28095(28)+0.0105729609(57)E -1.58(32)\cdot10^{-13}E^2-5.81(64)\cdot10^{-19}E^3+4.92(41)\cdot10^{-25}E^4.$ Thus the rate of the spin-up of the white dwarf is decreasing. An alternative explanation is that the spin-up has been stopped during recent years. The deviations between the amplutudes of the spin variability in V and R, as well as between phases are not statistically significant. However, the orbital light curves exhibit distinct difference; the corresponding color index shows a nearly sinusoidal shape with a maximum at orbital phase $\sim0.2.$ The variations of the amplitude of spin waves shows a short maximum at the phase of the orbital dip. The corrected ephemeris for orbital minima is Min.HJD=$2448368.7225(12)+0\fd13474841(6)\cdot(E-24849)$ with a narrow dip occuring 0.07P later. The rate of the spin period variation seems to be changed, justifying the necessity of regular observations of intermediate polars.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Discovery of a bright X-ray transient in the Galactic Center with XMM-Newton

We report the discovery of a bright X-ray transient object, XMMU J174554.4-285456, observed in outburst with XMM-Newton on October 3, 2002,and located at 6.3' from SgrA*, the supermassive black hole at the Galactic center.This object exhibits a very large X-ray luminosity variability of a factor of about 1300 between two X-ray observations separated by four months. The X-ray spectrum is best fitted by a power-law with a photon index of 1.6+/-0.2 and absorption column density of 14.1 (+1.6,-1.4) x 10^22 cm^-2. This large absorption suggests this source is located at the distance of the Galactic center, i.e., 8 kpc. The 2-10 keV luminosity is about 1.0 x 10^35(d/8kpc)^2 erg/s. A pulsation period of about 172 s is hinted by the timing analysis. The X-ray properties strongly suggest a binary system with either a black hole or a neutron star for the compact object.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

Blobby accretion in magnetic cataclysmic variables

The processes of accretion of the gaseous blobs with different masses and densities onto strongly magnetized white dwarfs in the systems of polars have been modeled. We have proved that shot noise in blue wavelengths represents accretion of the smaller and denser blobs than in redder wavelengths. Using combined "smooth particle hydrodynamics - drag force" model, we have predicted a shape of the accretion stream and active regions on the white dwarf surface.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2000

Magnetic field and unstable accretion during AM Herculis low states

A study of AM Her low states in September 1990 and 1991 and June-July 1997 is reported from a coordinated campaign with observations obtained at the Haute-Provence observatory, at the 6-m telescope of the Special Astrophysical Observatory and at the 2.6m and 1.25m telescopes of the Crimean observatory. Spectra obtained at different dates when the source was in low states at a comparable V magnitude, show the presence of strong Zeeman absorption features and marked changes in emission lines with a day-to-day reappearance of the HeII (4686Å) emission lines in 1991. Despite this variability, the magnetic field inferred from the fitting of the absorption spectrum with Zeeman hydrogen splitting, is remarkably constant with a best value of (12.5$\pm$0.5)MG. Detailed analysis of the UBVRI light curves shows the presence of repetitive moderate amplitude ($\sim$ 0.3-0.5 mag) flares predominantly red in colour. These flares are attributed to small accretion events and are compared to the large ($\sim$ 2 mag.) blue flare reported by Shakhovskoy et al. (1993). We suggest that the general flaring activity observed during the low states is generated by accretion events. The different characteristics of the flares (colour and polarization) are the results of different shock geometries depending on the net mass accretion flux.

astro-ph↗