Abstract

AbstractThe close binary system Am CVn consists of two helium white dwarf stars in close orbit. Strong flickering in the optical light curve and the observed spin-up in the rotation period indicate that mass transfer takes place (Solheim et al., 1984). The optical spectrum shows broad helium absorption lines (Robinson and Faulkner, 1975) sometimes partly filled in by emission (Voikhanskaya, 1982). The optical spectrum shows no sign of hydrogen, and the line profiles are interpreted as due to an accretion disk of intermediate angle of inclination with a temperature of the order of 20.000 K (Robinson and Faulkner, 1975). Another possibility is direct accretion onto a magnetized BD white dwarf (Voikhanskaya, 1982). In the latter case a magnetic field B ≃ 106to 109gauss is needed. Voikhanskaya also reports significant changes in the absorption line profiles from 1978 to 1980.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.