Rare thermonuclear explosions in short-period cataclysmic variables, with possible application to the nova-like red variable in the Galaxy M31

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (43) References (45) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Rare Thermonuclear Explosions in Short-Period Cataclysmic Variables, with Possible Application to the Nova-like Red Variable in the Galaxy M31 Iben, Icko, Jr. ; Tutukov, Aleksandr V. Abstract A very bright nova with a peak luminosity significantly larger than the relevant Eddington luminosity might be initiated by a hydrogen shell flash on a very cold low-mass degenerate dwarf accreting matter from a close low-mass companion which fills its Roche lobe in a system with orbital period 80 minutes to 2 hours. Under appropriate conditions, which we calculate, the mass of accreted matter can be as large as 0.005 M_sun_ when the explosion occurs, and a luminosity larger than the Eddington limit may be generated by the frictional interaction between the matter in a dense common envelope and the interior stellar cores. The frequency of such explosions in our Galaxy may be about six events per millennium. The most likely precursor is a cataclysmic variable with period near 80 minutes, and the final result of the super nova explosion may be dissolution of the low-mass companion into the escaping high-velocity wind. An outburst that was detected in Andromeda in 1988 may be an example. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: April 1992 DOI: 10.1086/171211 Bibcode: 1992ApJ...389..369I Keywords: Andromeda Galaxy; Binary Stars; Cataclysmic Variables; Novae; Stellar Mass Accretion; Thermonuclear Explosions; Milky Way Galaxy; Roche Limit; Stellar Luminosity; White Dwarf Stars; Astrophysics; GALAXIES: INDIVIDUAL MESSIER NUMBER: M31; STARS: BINARIES: CLOSE; STARS: NOVAE; CATACLYSMIC VARIABLES full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (2) NED (1)