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White Dwarfs in Cataclysmic Variables: An Update
Edward M Sion1, Patrick Godon1
1Department of Astrophysics & Space Science, Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA 19085, USA.
Acta Polytechnica CTU Proceedings
|March 6, 2018
Summary
This review summarizes accreting white dwarf temperatures in cataclysmic variables (CVs) using ultraviolet spectra. New data refines temperatures for SS Cygni and T Pyxidis, crucial for understanding these stellar systems.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Stellar Evolution
- Exoplanet Science
Background:
- Cataclysmic variables (CVs) are binary systems involving accreting white dwarfs.
- Understanding white dwarf surface temperatures is key to modeling CVs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge of accreting white dwarf surface temperatures in magnetic and non-magnetic CVs.
- To analyze new far-ultraviolet spectral data.
Main Methods:
- Synthetic spectral analyses of far-ultraviolet (FUV) data.
- Re-examination of the white dwarf temperature in SS Cygni using revised distance.
- Analysis of new Hubble Space Telescope (HST) spectra of T Pyxidis.
Main Results:
- Current understanding of white dwarf surface temperatures in CVs is summarized.
- The surface temperature of the white dwarf in SS Cygni is re-evaluated.
- New HST spectra provide insights into T Pyxidis's temperature evolution post-outburst.
Conclusions:
- Far-UV spectral analysis remains a primary method for determining white dwarf temperatures in CVs.
- Ongoing HST observations will refine our understanding of these systems.
- Accurate temperature measurements are vital for CV system modeling.
Keywords:
Cataclysmic variablesDwarf novaeIntermediate polarsSpectroscopyUVindividuals: T Pyx, CC SygMore Related Videos
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