Comparison of the X-ray observations of the AM Herculis objects to theory

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (19) References (39) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Comparison of the X-ray observations of the AM Herculis objects to theory. Imamura, J. N. Abstract The X-ray observations of the original AM Her objects (AM Her, VV Pup, EF Eri, and AN UMa are reexamined. The work differs from that carried out previously in that the observed X-ray spectral properties are compared to theoretical models calculated using a dipolar accretion geometry rather than a spherically symmetric one, and the observed X-ray light curves are compared to theoretical light curves calculated assuming that the X-ray sources are cataclysmic variable-like binaries which contain a strongly magnetic white dwarf. The added constraints offered by the light curve properties restrict the possible kinds of X-ray emission scenarios in some cases. For instance, it is found that the X-ray observations of AM Her can be self-consistently explained by accretion powered radiative shock models. Further, the observations cannot be self-consistently explained by conduction dominated models as has been suggested by previous workers. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: October 1984 DOI: 10.1086/162495 Bibcode: 1984ApJ...285..223I Keywords: Binary Stars; Cataclysmic Variables; Stellar Mass Accretion; Stellar Models; White Dwarf Stars; X Ray Sources; Light Curve; Magnetic Stars; Shock Waves; Stellar Radiation; Stellar Spectra; X Ray Spectra; Astrophysics full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (4)