arXiv subjects

Mariko Kato

Publications and source records attributed to Mariko Kato.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2006

Modeling of the Super-Eddington Phase for Classical Novae: Five IUE Novae

We present a light curve model for the super-Eddington luminosity phase of five classical novae observed with IUE. Optical and UV light curves are calculated based on the optically thick wind theory with a reduced effective opacity for a porous atmosphere. Fitting a model light curve with the UV 1455 Ålight curve, we determine the white dwarf mass and distance to be (1.3 M_sun, 4.4 kpc) for V693 CrA, (1.05 M_sun, 1.8 kpc) for V1974 Cyg, (0.95 M_sun, 4.1 kpc) for V1668 Cyg, (1.0 M_sun, 2.1 kpc) for V351 Pup, and (1.0 M_sun, 4.3 kpc) for OS And.

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arXiv2006

A Universal Decline Law of Classical Novae

We calculate many different nova light curves for a variety of white dwarf masses and chemical compositions, with the assumption that free-free emission from optically thin ejecta dominates the continuum flux. We show that all these light curves are homologous and a universal law can be derived by introducing a ``time scaling factor.'' The template light curve for the universal law has a slope of the flux, F \propto t^{-1.75}, in the middle part (from ~2 to ~6 mag below the optical maximum), but it declines more steeply, F \propto t^{-3.5}, in the later part (from ~6 to ~10 mag). This break on the light curve is due to a quick decrease in the wind mass-loss rate. The nova evolutions are approximately scaled by the time of break. Once the time of break is observationally determined, we can derive the various timescales of novae such as the period of a UV burst phase, the duration of optically thick wind phase, and the turnoff date of hydrogen shell-burning. We have applied our template light curve model to the three well-observed novae, V1500 Cyg, V1668 Cyg, and V1974 Cyg. Our theoretical light curves show excellent agreement with the optical y and infrared J, H, K light curves. The WD mass is estimated, from the light curve fitting, to be 1.15 M_\sun for V1500 Cyg, 0.95 ~M_\sun for V1668 Cyg, and 0.95-1.05 M_\sun for V1974 Cyg.

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arXiv2006

The Hydrogen Burning Turn-off of RS Ophiuchi 2006

We report a coordinated multi-band photometry of the RS Oph 2006 outburst and highlight the emission line free y-band photometry that shows a mid-plateau phase at y ~ 10.2 mag from day 40 to day 75 after the discovery followed by a sharp drop of the final decline. Such mid-plateau phases are observed in other two recurrent novae, U Sco and CI Aql, and are interpreted as a bright disk irradiated by the white dwarf. We have calculated theoretical light curves based on the optically thick wind theory and have reproduced the observed light curves including the mid-plateau phase and the final sharp decline. This final decline is identified with the end of steady hydrogen shell-burning, which turned out the day ~80. This turnoff date is consistent with the end of a supersoft X-ray phase observed with Swift. Our model suggests a white dwarf mass of 1.35 \pm 0.01 M_\sun, which indicates that RS Oph is a progenitor of Type Ia supernovae. We strongly recommend the y-filter observation of novae to detect both the presence of a disk and the hydrogen burning turn-off.

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arXiv2006

Prediction of Supersoft X-ray Phase during the 2006 Outburst of RS Ophiuchi

RS Ophiuchi is one of the well-observed recurrent novae and also a candidate progenitor of Type Ia supernovae. Its sixth recorded outburst was discovered on 12 February 2006. Detection of a supersoft X-ray phase will provide a firm confirmation of hydrogen shell-burning on the white dwarf and its turn-on/turn-off dates strongly constrain a mass range of the white dwarf, which clarify whether or not RS Oph becomes a Type Ia supernova. For a timely detection of its supersoft X-ray phase, we have calculated outburst evolution of RS Oph based on the optically thick wind theory and predicted a supersoft X-ray phase for the 2006 outburst: it will most probably start on day 80-90 and continue until day 110-120 after the optical maximum. Its duration is so short as only a month or so. We strongly recommend multiple observations during April, May, and June of 2006 to detect turn-on and turn-off times of the supersoft X-ray phase.

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arXiv2005

A Modeling of the Super-Eddington Luminosity in Nova Outbursts: V1974 Cygni

We have modeled nova light curves exceeding the Eddington luminosity. It has been suggested that a porous structure develops in nova envelopes during the super Eddington phase and the effective opacity is much reduced for such a porous atmosphere. Based on this reduced opacity model, we have calculated envelope structures and light curves of novae. The optically thick wind model is used to simulate nova winds. We find that the photospheric luminosity and the wind mass-loss rate increase inversely proportional to the reducing factor of opacities, but the wind velocity hardly changes. We also reproduce the optical light curve of V1974 Cygni (Nova Cygni 1992) in the super-Eddington phase, which lasts 13 days from the optical peak 1.7 mag above the Eddington luminosity.

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arXiv2005

Toward a unified light curve model for multi-wavelength observations of V1974 Cygni (Nova Cygni 1992)

We present a unified model for optical, ultraviolet (UV), and X-ray light curves of V1974 Cygni (Nova Cygni 1992). Based on an optically thick wind model of nova outbursts, we have calculated light curves and searched for the best fit model that is consistent with optical, UV, and X-ray observations. Our best fit model is a white dwarf (WD) of mass 1.05 M_\sun with a chemical composition of X=0.46, C+N+O=0.15, and Ne = 0.05 by mass weight. Both supersoft X-ray and continuum UV 1455 Ålight curves are well reproduced. Supersoft X-rays emerged on day ~ 250 after outburst, which is naturally explained by our model: our optically thick winds cease on day 245 and supersoft X-rays emerge from self-absorption by the winds. The X-ray flux keeps a constant peak value for ~ 300 days followed by a quick decay on day ~ 600. The duration of X-ray flat peak is well reproduced by a steady hydrogen shell burning on the WD. Optical light curve is also explained by the same model if we introduce free-free emission from optically thin ejecta. A t^{-1.5} slope of the observed optical and infrared fluxes is very close to the slope of our modeled free-free light curve during the optically thick wind phase. Once the wind stops, optical and infrared fluxes should follow a t^{-3} slope, derived from a constant mass of expanding ejecta. An abrupt transition from a t^{-1.5} slope to a t^{-3} slope at day ~ 200 is naturally explained by the change from the wind phase to the post-wind phase on day ~ 200. The development of hard X-ray flux is also reasonably understood as shock-origin between the wind and the companion star. The distance to V1974 Cyg is estimated to be ~ 1.7 kpc with E(B-V)= 0.32 from the light curve fitting for the continuum UV 1455 Å.

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arXiv2004

The nature of premaximum halts of classical nova outbursts: V723 Cassiopeiae and V463 Scuti

We present a new interpretation of long premaximum halts of nova outbursts. For V723 Cas (Nova Cas 1995) and V463 Sct (Nova Sct 2000), we have reproduced light curves, excluding the brightness maxima, starting from the long premaximum halt through the late decay phase of the outbursts using a steady-state optically thick wind model. When the hydrogen-rich envelope of the white dwarf (WD) is massive enough, the star expands to \sim 100 R_\sun or over and its surface temperature decreases to below 7000 K. At this supergiant mimicry stage, the changes in both the photospheric radius and the temperature are small against the large increase in the envelope mass. These changes cause a saturation in visual magnitude that lasts a long time before it begins to decline. This saturation is known as the premaximum halt of a classical nova outburst. The visual magnitude during the saturation is close to the bolometric magnitude, which is an upper limit for a given WD mass. Since the WD masses are estimated to be 0.59 M_\sun for V723 Cas and 1.1 M_\sun for V463 Sct by fitting the decline rate of nova light curves, we can determine the absolute magnitude of premaximum halts. It is a refined Eddington luminosity. Thus, the premaximum halt of a nova works as a standard candle.

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arXiv2004

Mass accumulation efficiency in helium shell flashes for various white dwarf masses

We have calculated the mass accumulation efficiency during helium shell flashes on white dwarfs (WDs) of mass 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and $1.35 M_{\odot}$ for the helium accretion rates $\log\dot M_{\rm He} \ (M_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}) = -7.4$ to -5.8. This efficiency is a crucial factor for binary evolutions of Type Ia supernovae. For less massive WDs ($< 0.8 \ M_{\odot}$) no wind mass loss occurs and all the accreted mass accumulates on the WD if the Roche lobe size is large enough. The efficiency takes the minimum values in between 1.1 and 1.2 $M_{\odot}$ WD for a given mass accretion rate and increases in both less and more massive WDs. The mass accumulation efficiency is larger than 0.5 for $\log\dot M_{\rm He} \geq -6.72$ in all the WD masses.

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arXiv2004

Detection of two-armed spiral shocks on the accretion disk of the eclipsing fast nova V1494 Aquilae

We have modeled the unusual orbital light curve of V1494 Aquilae (Nova Aquilae 1999 No.2) and found that such an unusual orbital light curve can be reproduced when there exist two-armed, spiral shocks on the accretion disk. V1494 Aql is a fast classical nova and found to be an eclipsing system with the orbital period of 0.1346138 days in the late phase of the nova outburst. Its orbital light curve shows a small bump at orbital phase 0.2, a small dip at 0.3, sometimes a small bump at 0.4, and a large bump at 0.6-0.7 outside eclipse. Such a double- or triple-wave pattern outside eclipse has never been observed even though overall patterns look like some supersoft X-ray sources or eclipsing polars. We have calculated orbital light curves including the irradiation effects of the accretion disk and the companion by the hot white dwarf. These unusual patterns can be reproduced when we assume two-armed spiral shocks on the accretion disk. Especially, triple-wave patterns are naturally obtained. This result strongly suggests the existence of two-armed spiral shocks on the accretion disk in the late phase of the nova outburst.

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arXiv2003

V445 Puppis -- Helium nova on a massive white dwarf

The 2000 outburst of V445 Puppis shows unique properties, such as absence of hydrogen, enrichment of helium and carbon, slow development of the light curve with a small amplitude that does not resemble any classical novae. This object has been suggested to be the first example of helium novae. We calculate theoretical light curves of helium novae and reproduce the observational light curve of V445 Pup. Modeling indicates a very massive white dwarf (WD), more massive than 1.3 Msun. The companion star is possibly either a helium star or a helium-rich main-sequence star. We estimate the ignition mass as several times 10^{-5} Msun, the corresponding helium accretion rate as several times 10^{-7} Msun yr^{-1}, and the recurrence period as several tens of years. These values suggest that the WD is growing in mass and ends up either a Type Ia supernova or an accretion induced collapse to a neutron star.

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arXiv2003

A limit cycle model for long-term optical variations of V Sagittae: The second example of accretion wind evolution

V Sagittae shows quasi-periodic optical high (soft X-ray off) and low (soft X-ray on) states with the total period of ~300 days. A binary model is presented to explain orbital light curves both for the high and low states as well as the transition mechanism between them. The binary model consists of a white dwarf (WD), a disk around the WD, and a lobe-filling main-sequence (MS) companion. In the optical high state, the mass transfer rate to the WD exceeds the critical rate of ~1 x 10^{-6} Msun/yr, and the WD blows an optically thick, massive wind. Surface layers of the disk are blown in the wind and the disk surface extends to the companion or over. As a result, optical luminosity of the disk increases by a magnitude because of its large irradiation effect. The massive wind completely obscures soft X-rays. This corresponds to the optical high/soft X-ray off state. The transition between optical high and low states is driven by an attenuation of the mass transfer from the secondary. As the mass supply stops, the WD wind weakens and eventually stops. The disk shrinks to a Roche lobe size and the optical magnitude drops. This phase corresponds to the optical low/soft X-ray on state. This cycle is repeated like a limit cycle. The WD can grow in mass at the critical rate and eventually reach the Chandrasekhar mass limit. This process is called ``accretion wind evolution,'' which is a key evolutionary process in a recently developed evolutionary scenario of Type Ia supernovae. This evolutionary process was first confirmed in the LMC supersoft X-ray source RX J0513.9$-$6951. Thus, V Sge is the second example of accretion wind evolution.

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arXiv2003

RX J0513.9-6951: The first example of accretion wind evolution, a key evolutionary process to Type Ia supernovae

A new self-sustained model for long-term light curve variations of RX J0513.9-6951 is proposed based on an optically thick wind model of mass-accreting white dwarfs (WDs). When the mass accretion rate to a WD exceeds the critical rate of \sim 1 x 10^{-6} M_\sun yr^{-1}, optically thick strong winds begin to blow from the WD so that a formation of common envelope is avoided. The WD can accrete and burn hydrogen-rich matter atop the WD at the critical rate. The excess matter transferred to the WD above the critical rate is expelled by winds. This is called the accretion wind evolution. This ejection process, however, occurs intermittently because the mass transfer is attenuated by strong winds: the strong winds collide with the secondary surface and strip off the very surface layer of the secondary. The matter stripped-off is lost from the binary system. Properly formulating this mass stripping effect and the ensuing decay of mass transfer rate, we are able to reproduce, in a self-sustained manner, the transition between the optical high/X-ray off and optical low/X-ray on states of RX J0513.9-6951. Thus RX J0513.9-6951 is the first example of the accretion wind evolution, which is a key evolutionary process in a recently developed evolutionary path to Type Ia supernovae.

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arXiv2003

A new clue to the transition mechanism between optical high and low states of the supersoft X-ray source RX J0513.9-6951, implied from the recurrent nova CI Aquilae 2000 outburst model

We have found a new clue to the transition mechanism between optical high/X-ray off and optical low/X-ray on states of the LMC supersoft X-ray source RX J0513.9-6951. A sharp ~1 mag drop is common to the CI Aql 2000 outburst. These drops are naturally attributed to cessation of optically thick winds on white dwarfs. A detailed light-curve analysis of CI Aql indicates that the size of a disk drastically shrinks when the wind stops. This causes ~1-2 mag drop in the optical light curve. In RX J0513.9-6951, the same mechanism reproduces sharp ~1 mag drop from optical high to low states. We predict this mechanism also works on the transition from low to high states. Interaction between the wind and the companion star attenuates the mass transfer and drives full cycles of low and high states.

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arXiv2002

Revised analysis of the supersoft X-ray phase, helium enrichment, and turn-off time in the 2000 outburst of recurrent nova CI Aquilae

Recurrent nova CI Aquilae has entered the final decline phase a bit before May of 2001, about 300 days after the optical maximum, showing the slowest evolution among recurrent novae. Based on the optically thick wind mass-loss theory of the thermonuclear runaway model, we have estimated the turn-off time of the CI Aql 2000 outburst. It is in late March of 2001 after a luminous supersoft X-ray source phase lasts 150 days (from November of 2000 until March of 2001). We have also obtained, by fitting our theoretical light curves with the 1917 and 2000 outbursts, the white dwarf (WD) mass to be M_{WD}= 1.2 \pm 0.05 M_\sun, the helium enrichment of the envelope is He/H = 0.5 by number, the mass of the hydrogen-rich envelope on the WD at the optical maximum is ΔM_{max} = 8.0 x 10^{-6} M_\sun, and the average mass accretion rate is \dot M_{acc}= 1.0 x 10^{-7} M_\sun/yr during the quiescent phase between the 1917 and 2000 outbursts. Using these obtained values, we have consistently reproduced the light curve in quiescence as well as of the two outbursts. We have also discussed the possibility whether or not CI Aql will explode as a Type Ia supernova in a future.

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arXiv2001

Recurrent Novae, Classical Novae, Symbiotic Novae, and Population II Novae

Light curve analysis of decay phase of nova outburst are summarized. Nova duration is determined by the strong wind mass-loss which depends only on the white dwarf mass. Fast novae correspond very massive white dwarfs and very slow novae correspond almost lower mass limit of white dwarfs. This relation is shown in both of classical novae and recurrent novae. Light curves are theoretically reproduced for recurrent novae, U Sco, V394 CrA, CI Aql, V2487 Oph, RS Oph, T CrB, V745 Sco and V3890 Sgr, using binary model composed of a white dwarf, an irradiated accretion disk, and partly irradiated companion which is shadowed by the accretion disk. From the light curve fitting, we conclude that most of these objects contain a very massive white dwarf close to the Chandrasekhar mass limit (1.37 M_\sun for U Sco, V394 CrA T CrB and RS Oph, 1.35 M_\sun for V2487 Oph, V3890 Sgr and V745 Sco). They are strong candidates of type Ia SN progenitors. Population II novae have trends of slow evolution and small expanding velocity compared with disk novae.

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arXiv2001

Revised analysis of the supersoft X-ray phase, helium enrichment, and turn-off time in the 2000 outburst of the recurrent nova CI Aquilae

The recurrent nova CI Aquilae entered the final decline phase a bit before May of 2001, showing the slowest evolution among the recurrent novae. Based on the optically thick wind mass-loss theory of the thermonuclear runaway model, we have estimated the turn-off time of the CI Aql 2000 outburst in March of 2001, after a supersoft X-ray source (SSS) phase lasts 150 days from December of 2000 until May of 2001. Fitting our theoretical light curves with both the 1917 and 2000 outbursts, we also obtained the WD mass to be M_{WD}= 1.2 \pm 0.05 M_\sun, helium enrichment of ejecta, He/H ~ 0.5 by number, the mass of the hydrogen-rich envelope on the WD of ΔM ~ 6 x 10^{-6} M_\sun at the optical maximum, which is indicating an average mass accretion rate of \dot M_{acc} ~ 0.8 x 10^{-7} M_\sun yr^{-1} during the quiescent phase between the 1917 and 2000 outbursts.

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arXiv2001

V2487 Ophiuchi: A strong candidate for a recurrent nova and a progenitor of Type Ia supernova

The light curve of the 1998 outburst of V2487 Ophiuchi (Nova Oph 1998) shows a very rapid decline (t_3 ~ 9 day) and a mid-plateau phase from 10 to 30 days after the optical maximum, which are characteristics common to the U Sco subclass of the recurrent novae. We have numerically reproduced light curves of the 1998 outburst based on a thermonuclear runaway model with optically thick winds. The results show that the mass of the white dwarf (WD) is as massive as 1.35 \pm 0.01 M_\sun; the envelope mass of the WD at the optical maximum is ~ 6 x 10^{-6} M_\sun; the hydrogen content of the WD envelope is as low as X ~ 0.1 by mass weight. The mass transfer rate in quiescence is roughly estimated to be \~ 1.5 x 10^{-7} M_\sun yr^{-1} and, therefore, that the recurrence period of nova outbursts is about 40 yr. Since the WD mass may be now growing at a rate of ~ 2 x 10^{-8} M_\sun yr^{-1}, V2487 Oph is a strong candidate for a progenitor of a Type Ia supernova.

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arXiv2001

Prediction of supersoft X-ray phase, helium enrichment, and turn-off time in recurrent nova CI Aquilae 2000 outburst

Recurrent nova CI Aquilae is still bright 300 days after the optical maximum, showing the slowest evolution among recurrent novae. We predict the turn-off time of CI Aql 2000 outburst coming in August 2001 after a supersoft X-ray source (SSS) phase lasts 250 days. We also predict helium enrichment of ejecta, He/H = 0.25 by number. Observational confirmations are urgently required. Based on the optically thick wind mass-loss theory of the thermonuclear runaway model, we have also estimated the WD mass to be 1.2 +- 0.05 Msun by fitting our theoretical light curves with the 1917 and 2000 outbursts. The mass of the hydrogen-rich envelope on the WD is also estimated to be 6 x 10^{-6} Msun at the optical maximum, indicating an average mass accretion rate of 0.7 x 10^{-7} Msun/yr during the quiescent phase between the 1917 and 2000 outbursts. Using these obtained values, we have consistently reproduced the light curve in quiescence as well as the two outburst phases. Thus, we predict the turn-off time to be in August 2001 for the 2000 outburst. We strongly recommend soft X-ray observations to detect SSS until August 2001 because the massive wind phase have already ended in December 2000 followed by an SSS phase that very likely lasts until August 2001.

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