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Robert Koff

Publications and source records attributed to Robert Koff.

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A Linear Relation Between the Color Stretch $s_{BV}$ and the Rising Color Slope $s_0^*(B-V)$ of Type Ia Supernovae

Using data from the Complete Nearby ($z_{host}<0.02$) sample of Type Ia Supernovae (CNIa0.02), we discover a linear relation between two parameters derived from the $B-V$ color curves of Type Ia supernovae: the "color stretch" $s_{BV}$ and the rising color slope $s_0^*(B-V)$ after the peak, and this relation applies to the full range of $s_{BV}$. The $s_{BV}$ parameter is known to be tightly correlated with the peak luminosity, and especially for "fast decliners" (dim Type Ia supernovae), and the luminosity correlation with $s_{BV}$ is markedly better than with the classic light-curve width parameters such as $\Delta{m_{15}(B)}$. Thus our new linear relation can be used to infer peak luminosity from $s_0^*$. Unlike $s_{BV}$ (or $\Delta{m_{15}}$), the measurement of $s_0^*(B-V)$ does not rely on the well-determined time of light-curve peak or color maximum, making it less demanding on the light-curve coverage than past approaches.

astro-ph.HE

The First Data Release of CNIa0.02 -- A Complete Nearby (Redshift <0.02) Sample of Type Ia Supernova Light Curves

The CNIa0.02 project aims to collect a complete, nearby sample of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) light curves, and the SNe are volume-limited with host-galaxy redshifts z_host < 0.02. The main scientific goal is to infer the distributions of key properties (e.g., the luminosity function) of local SNe Ia in a complete and unbiased fashion in order to study SN explosion physics. We spectroscopically classify any SN candidate detected by the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN) that reaches peak brightness < 16.5 mag. Since ASAS-SN scans the full sky and does not target specific galaxies, our target selection is effectively unbiased by host-galaxy properties. We perform multi-band photometric observations starting from the time of discovery. In the first data release (DR1), we present the optical light curves obtained for 247 SNe from our project (including 148 SNe in the complete sample), and we derive parameters such as the peak fluxes, dm15 and s_BV.

astro-ph.HE

Orbital Period Changes in WZ Sagittae

We report a long-term (1961-2017) study of the eclipse times in the dwarf nova WZ Sagittae, in an effort to learn its rate of orbital-period change. Some wiggles with a time scale of 20-50 years are apparent, and a connection with the 23-year interval between dwarf-nova eruptions is possible. These back-and-forth wiggles dominate the O-C diagram, and prevent a secure measurement of the steady rate of orbital-period change. The line, it is drawn, the curse, it is cast. The slow one now will later be fast... For the times, they are a-changin'. - Dylan (1963)

astro-ph.SR

The first confirmed superoutburst of the dwarf nova GALEX J215818.5+241924

In 2011 October an optical transient was reported in Pegasus as a possible nova. The object had an ultraviolet counterpart, GALEX J215818.5+241924. In this paper we present follow-up photometry of the object which revealed the presence of superhumps, with peak-to-peak amplitude of up to 0.22 magnitudes, diagnostic of it being a member of the SU UMa family of dwarf novae. The outburst amplitude was 4.6 magnitudes and it lasted at least 10 days, with a maximum brightness of magnitude 14.3. We determined the mean superhump period from our first 5 nights of observations as Psh = 0.06728(21) d. However analysis of the O-C residuals showed a dramatic evolution in Psh during the outburst. During the first part of the plateau phase the period increased with dPsh/dt = +2.67(15) x 10-4. There was then an abrupt change following which the period decreased with dPsh/dt = -2.08(9)x 10-4. We found a signal in the power spectrum of the photometry which we tentatively interpret as the orbital signal with Porb = 0.06606(35) d. Thus the superhump period excess was epsilon = 0.020(8), such value being consistent with other SU UMa systems of similar orbital period.

astro-ph.SR

BK Lyncis: The Oldest Old Nova?... And a Bellwether for Cataclysmic-Variable Evolution

We summarize the results of a 20-year campaign to study the light curves of BK Lyncis, a nova-like star strangely located below the 2-3 hour orbital period gap in the family of cataclysmic variables. Two apparent "superhumps" dominate the nightly light curves - with periods 4.6% longer, and 3.0% shorter, than P_orb. The first appears to be associated with the star's brighter states (V~14), while the second appears to be present throughout and becomes very dominant in the low state (V~15.7). Starting in the year 2005, the star's light curve became indistinguishable from that of a dwarf nova - in particular, that of the ER UMa subclass. Reviewing all the star's oddities, we speculate: (a) BK Lyn is the remnant of the probable nova on 30 December 101, and (b) it has been fading ever since, but has taken ~2000 years for the accretion rate to drop sufficiently to permit dwarf-nova eruptions. If such behavior is common, it can explain other puzzles of CV evolution. One: why the ER UMa class even exists (because all members can be remnants of recent novae). Two: why ER UMa stars and short-period novalikes are rare (because their lifetimes, which are essentially cooling times, are short). Three: why short-period novae all decline to luminosity states far above their true quiescence (because they're just getting started in their postnova cooling). Four: why the orbital periods, accretion rates, and white-dwarf temperatures of short-period CVs are somewhat too large to arise purely from the effects of gravitational radiation (because the unexpectedly long interval of enhanced postnova brightness boosts the mean mass-transfer rate). These are substantial rewards in return for one investment of hypothesis: that the second parameter in CV evolution, besides P_orb, is time since the last classical-nova eruption.

astro-ph.SR

Superhumps and post-outburst rebrightening episodes in the AM CVn star SDSS J012940.05+384210.4

We report unfiltered photometry of the first confirmed outburst of the AM CVn system SDSS J012940.05+384210.4 during 2009 December. At its brightest the star was magnitude 14.5, 5.4 magnitudes above mean quiescence. Although the first part of the outburst was not observed, six remarkable rebrightening events were observed during the course of the outburst. Forty-one days after the outburst was detected, the star was still 1.7 magnitudes above quiescence. Superhumps were observed during the outburst with a peak-to-peak amplitude of 0.06 mag and Psh = 37.9(2) min. We also used archival data to show that another AM CVn system, SDSS J124058.03-015919.2, has also undergone at least one outburst, with an amplitude of ~4.6 magnitudes.

astro-ph.SR

The outburst of V713 Cephei in August 2009

During the outburst of V713 Cephei in August 2009 the times of 8 eclipses were measured and these, together with 5 eclipse timings obtained during quiescence in August 2007, provide an improved orbital period of 0.085418432(4)d. No superhumps were observed in the light curve indicating this was a normal UG-type dwarf nova outburst. We found the eclipse depth decreased linearly with rising system excitation level, falling from ~3 magnitudes in quiescence to ~2 magnitudes during outburst. The depth and totality of eclipses in quiescence suggests a high orbital inclination. We saw no variation in the FWHM of eclipses between quiescence and outburst despite a significant change in shape of the eclipse profile.

astro-ph.SR

Outburst characteristics of the dwarf nova SDSS J073208.11+413008.7

We report unfiltered photometry during the first confirmed superoutburst of the recently discovered dwarf nova, SDSS J073208.11+413008.7 and conclude that it is a member of the SU UMa family. At its brightest, the star was magnitude 15.7. The outburst amplitude was nearly 5 magnitudes and it lasted about 14 days. We determined the mean superhump period from our first 3 nights of observations as Psh = 0.07979(19) d, however analysis of the O-C residuals showed a dramatic evolution in Psh during the outburst. During the first part of the plateau phase the period increased with dPsh/dt = +2.81(9) x 10-3. There was then an abrupt change following which the period decreased with dPsh/dt = -0.78(12)x 10-3.The amplitude of the superhumps also varied, with a maximum amplitude near the beginning of the outburst and a second maximum later in the plateau phase. Analysis of archival data suggests that the star undergoes frequent outbursts: we identified 10 normal outbursts and at least 3 likely superoutbursts over a 4.5 year interval. We estimate that the superoutburst period is around 215 days.

astro-ph.SR

VSX J003909.7+611233: a new Slowly Pulsating B star (SPB) in Cassiopeia?

We report the discovery of a new 13th magnitude variable in Cassiopeia close to the variable KP Cas. Analysis of 6 days of intensive photometry shows a regular, near sinusoidal modulation with an amplitude of 0.024 magnitudes and a period of 0.43815(31) d. Although its colour indicates a spectral type around F0 the star probably suffers up to 2 - 2.5 magnitudes of extinction so could be an A- or B-type star. Given the period, the low amplitude, the shape of the light curve and the probable spectral type we consider it most likely to be a slowly pulsating B-type (SPB) star. The variable has been registered in the International Variable Star Index with the identifier VSX J003909.7+611233.

astro-ph.SR

CCD photometry of the first observed superoutburst of KP Cassiopeiae in 2008 October

We report CCD photometry and analysis of the first observed superoutburst of the SU UMa-type dwarf nova KP Cassiopeiae during 2008 October. We observed a distinct shortening of the superhump period at superhump cycle 15. Before that point Psh was 0.08556(3) d and afterwards it evolved from 0.08517(2) d to 0.08544(3) d with a rate of period change dPsh/dt = 3.2(2) * 10-5. We measured the likely orbital period as 0.0814(4) d placing KP Cas just below the period gap. The superhump period excess is 0.048(5) and, empirically, the mass ratio q is 0.20(2). The superoutburst lasted between 8 and 12 days, peaked close to magnitude 13 with an amplitude above quiescence of 5 magnitudes, and faded for 4 days at a rate of 0.14 mag/d. Close monitoring following the end of the superoutburst detected a single normal outburst 60 days later which reached magnitude 14.7 and lasted less than 3 days.

astro-ph.SR

The 2008 outburst of the cataclysmic variable V358 Lyrae

We report photometry of V358 Lyr during its 2008 November outburst, the first confirmed outburst since 1965. At its brightest the star was V=15.9 and the outburst amplitude was at least 7.3 magnitudes and lasted at least 23 days. The first 4 days of the outburst corresponded to the plateau phase and the star then faded at 0.13 mag/d over the next 7 days. There was then a drop in brightness to a temporary minimum at mag 19.5, which lasted less than 4 days, after which the star recovered to its previous brightness. The final stages of the outburst were poorly covered. Time resolved photometry during the outburst revealed no obvious large-scale modulations such as superhumps. Although some small apparently periodic signals were detected, their significance is uncertain. Our observations, and those of previous researchers, support V358 Lyr being a dwarf nova and are consistent with it being a member of the WZ Sge family.

astro-ph.SR

GSC2.3 N152008120 - a new SU UMa-type dwarf nova in Draco

We report observations during 2008 October of the first recorded superoutburst of a previously unknown SU UMa-type dwarf nova in Draco located at 19h 14m 43.52s +60d 52m 14.1s (J2000). Simbad lists a 21st magnitude star at this position with identifiers GSC2.3 N152008120 and USNO-B1.0 1508-0249096. The outburst reached magnitude 14.9, its amplitude was approximately 6 magnitudes and its duration at least 11 days. About 11 days after the end of the main outburst there was a short-lived rebrightening by more than 2 magnitudes. Superhumps were observed with a mean period of 0.07117(1) d and amplitude 0.12 mag. There was a distinct shortening in the superhump period around cycle 80 with Psh = 0.07137(2) d before and Psh = 0.07091(2) d after. We saw weak evidence of an increasing Psh before cycle 80 with dPsh/dt = 3.4(2.0) * 10-5.

astro-ph.SR

VSX J074727.6+065050: a new WZ Sagittae star in Canis minor

We present photometry of the first reported superoutburst of the dwarf nova VSX J074727.6+065050 during 2008 January and February. At its brightest the star reached magnitude 11.4 and this was followed by a slow decline at 0.09 mag/d for 19 days, corresponding to the plateau phase. There was then a rapid decline at 1.66 mag/d to a temporary minimum at magnitude 16.6 where it stayed for 2 to 3 days after which there were six remarkable echo outbursts before the star gradually faded back towards quiescence at ~magnitude 19.5. The overall outburst amplitude was at least 8 magnitudes and it lasted more than 80 days. During the plateau phase we observed common superhumps with Psh = 0.06070(6) d, but the period increased to Psh = 0.06151(5) d coinciding with the end of the plateau phase and the onset of the rapid decline. This corresponds to a continuous period change with P^dot = +4.4(9) x 10-5. During the echo outbursts there was a superhump regime with Psh = 0.06088(49) d. Evidence is presented which is consistent with the star being a member of the WZ Sge family of dwarf novae.

astro-ph.SR

Superhumps and flickering in V1316 Cygni

We present analysis and results of a coordinated CCD photometry campaign to observe the 2006 June superoutburst of the cataclysmic variable V1316 Cyg involving 8 longitudinally-distributed observers. The outburst peaked at magnitude 15.03 on June 10, declined at a rate of 0.14 mag/day, lasted 11 days and had an amplitude above quiescence of 2.4 magnitudes. We detected common superhumps for the first time, thereby confirming that V1316 Cyg is a member of the UGSU class of dwarf novae. We observed a transition to late superhumps two-thirds of the way through the outburst with an associated phase shift of 0.50 +/- 0.06 cycles. The mean common superhump period before this transition was 0.07685 +/- 0.00003 d and the mean late superhump period following the transition was 0.07654 +/- 0.00002 d. The common superhump period decreased at a rate dP/dt = -5.1 +/- 1.7 x10^-5 /cycle. At the onset of late superhumps, there was a transient shift in power from the superhump fundamental frequency to its first harmonic and back again. We detected an orbital period of 0.0740 +/- 0.0002 d giving a fractional superhump period excess of 0.038 +/- 0.003 and a mass ratio of 0.167 +/- 0.010. A scalegram analysis of the flickering behaviour of V1316 Cyg found that the alpha and sigma parameters characterising flickering changed significantly during the superoutburst. We also found flickering to be at a relatively much lower level at the beginning of the superoutburst and during two normal outbursts.

astro-ph

Photometry and astrometry of SS Leo Minoris during the 2006 October superoutburst

We report unfiltered CCD observations of the first confirmed superoutburst of the SU UMa-type dwarf nova SS LMi in October 2006. From a quiescent magnitude of around 21.7 it rose to 16.2, an outburst amplitude of about 5.5 magnitudes. It declined at 0.17 mag/d for 5 days before slowing to 0.11 mag/d for a further 3 days. The light curve revealed common superhumps with a peak-to-peak amplitude of 0.3 magnitude, which decayed and then re-grew concurrently with the change in decline rate. These were followed by a phase-changing transition to late superhumps. Analysis of these observations has revealed evidence for an orbital period of 0.05572(19) d and a common superhump period of 0.05664(2) d, giving a fractional superhump period excess of 0.017(5). From astrometry of SS LMi in outburst we have established for the first time its correct position as RA 10h 34m 05.85(1)s, Dec +31deg 08m 00.00(18)s (J2000). The position commonly given for SS LMi is that of a nearby star.

astro-ph

Superhump periods in the UGSU-type dwarf nova SDSSp J082409.73+493124.4

We present observations and analysis of the first reported superoutburst of the dwarf nova SDSSp J082409.73+493124.4 during February/March 2007. From a maximum observed magnitude of 15.4C it declined at 0.09 mag/d for 7 days, flattened out around magnitude 16 for a further 5 days and then returned rapidly to quiescence at magnitude 19.4. The flattening of the light curve late in the outburst was not associated with a re-growth of superhumps. For the first 5 days we observed common superhumps with period 0.06954(5) d, thus confirming its classification as a UGSU-type dwarf nova. This was followed by a phase transition to late superhumps with period 0.06921(6) d. We found a small but persistent signal at 0.0687(6) d which we interpret as the orbital period.

astro-ph