UX UMa Research Articles

The Fast Jitter in the O − C Curves of Cataclysmic Variables Is Caused by Ordinary Flickering in the Light Curve that Randomly Shifts Each Eclipse Time

Abstract For Cataclysmic Variables (CVs), the record of many eclipse times (as presented in the traditional O − C curves) often displays a small-amplitude fast jitter on timescales of under a few years, with these often being interpreted as physical effects such as from third bodies in the system (including planets), or from azimuthal movements of the Hot Spot around the edge of the accretion disk. Recently, with the new and excellent light curves from spacecraft missions TESS and Kepler, we can measure large numbers of eclipse times down to orbit-by-orbit timescales. For four representative CVs (DQ Her, U Sco, RW Tri, and UX UMa), I find that the O − C jitter is constant from one-orbit-to-the-next out to eclipses separated by many years. This demonstrates that the jitter is not caused by physical effects on the orbit, nor by moving Hot Spots. This result was predicted for the expected jitter in eclipse times arising from the ubiquitous flickering in all CV light curves, where random flickers before/after eclipse minima will shift the measured eclipse times later/earlier than the true time of conjunction.

A comparative study of the strength of flickering in cataclysmic variables

ABSTRACT Flickering is a universal phenomenon in accreting astronomical systems that still defies detailed physical understanding. It is particularly evident in cataclysmic variables (CVs). Attempting to define boundary conditions for models, the strength of the flickering is measured in several thousand light curves of more than 100 CVs. The flickering amplitude is parametrized by the full width at half-maximum of a Gaussian fit to the magnitude distribution of data points in a light curve. This quantity requires several corrections before a comparison between different sources can be made. While no correlations of the flickering strength with simple parameters such as component masses, orbital inclination, or period were detected, a dependence on the absolute magnitude of the primary component and on the CV subtype is found. In particular, flickering in VY Scl type novalike variables is systematically stronger than in UX UMa type novalikes. The broad-band spectrum of the flickering light source can be fit by simple models but shows excess in the U band. When the data permitted to investigate the flickering strength as a function of orbital phase in eclipsing CVs, such a dependence was found, but it is different for different systems. Surprisingly, there are also indications for variations of the flickering strength with the superhump phase in novalike variables with permanent superhumps. In dwarf novae, the flickering amplitude is high during quiescence, drops quickly at an intermediate magnitude when the system enters into (or returns from) an outburst and, on average, remains constant above a given brightness threshold.

A spectroscopic analysis of the eclipsing nova-like EC 21178−5417 – discovery of spiral density structures

ABSTRACT We present phase-resolved optical spectroscopy of the eclipsing nova-like cataclysmic variable EC 21178−5417 obtained between 2002 and 2013. The average spectrum of EC 21178−5417 shows broad double-peaked emission lines from He ii 4686 Å (strongest feature) and the Balmer series. The high-excitation feature, C iii/N iii at 4640–4650 Å, is also present and appears broad in emission. A number of other lines, mostly He i, are clearly present in absorption and/or emission. The average spectrum of EC 21178−5417 taken at different months and years shows variability in spectral features, especially in the Balmer lines beyond Hγ, from pure line emission, mixed line absorption, and emission to pure absorption lines. Doppler maps of the He ii 4686 Å emission reveal the presence of a highly inclined asymmetric accretion disc and a two spiral arm-like structure, whereas that of the Balmer lines (Hα and Hβ) reveal a more circular accretion disc. There is no evidence of a bright-spot in the Doppler maps of EC 21178−5417 and no emission from the secondary star is seen in the tomograms of the He ii 4686 Å and Balmer lines. Generally, the emission in EC 21178−5417 is dominated by emission from the accretion disc. We conclude that EC 21178−5417 is a member of the RW Tri or UX UMa subtype of nova-like variables based on these results and because it shows different spectral characteristics at different dates. This spectral behaviour suggests that EC 21178−5417 undergoes distinct variations in mass transfer rate on the observed time-scales of months and years.

Discovery of a New Classical Nova Shell Around a Nova-like Cataclysmic Variable

Abstract The morphology and optical spectrum of IPHASX J210204.7+471015, a nebula classified as a possible planetary nebula are, however, strikingly similar to those of AT Cnc, a classical nova shell around a dwarf nova. To investigate its true nature, we have obtained high-resolution narrowband [O iii] and [N ii] images and deep optical spectra. The nebula shows an arc of [N ii]-bright knots notably enriched in nitrogen, while an [O iii]-bright bow shock is progressing throughout the ISM. Diagnostic line ratios indicate that shocks are associated with the arc and bow shock. The central star of this nebula has been identified by its photometric variability. Time-resolved photometric and spectroscopic data of this source reveal a period of 4.26 hr, which is attributed to a binary system. The optical spectrum is notably similar to that of RW Sex, a cataclysmic variable star (CV) of the UX UMa nova-like (NL) type. Based on these results, we propose that IPHASX J210204.7 + 471015 is a classical nova shell observed around a CV-NL system in quiescence.

Modifying the Standard Disk Model for the Ultraviolet Spectral Analysis of Disk-dominated Cataclysmic Variables. I. The Novalikes MV Lyrae, BZ Camelopardalis, and V592 Cassiopeiae.

The standard disk is often inadequate to model disk-dominated cataclysmic variables (CVs) and generates a spectrum that is bluer than the observed UV spectra. X-ray observations of these systems reveal an optically thin boundary layer (BL) expected to appear as an inner hole in the disk. Consequently, we truncate the inner disk. However, instead of removing the inner disk, we impose the no-shear boundary condition at the truncation radius, thereby lowering the disk temperature and generating a spectrum that better fits the UV data. With our modified disk, we analyze the archival UV spectra of three novalikes that cannot be fitted with standard disks. For the VY Scl systems MV Lyr and BZ Cam, we fit a hot inflated white dwarf (WD) with a cold modified disk ( [Formula: see text] ~ a few 10-9M⊙ yr-1). For V592 Cas, the slightly modified disk ( [Formula: see text] ~ 6 × 10-9M⊙ yr-1) completely dominates the UV. These results are consistent with Swift X-ray observations of these systems, revealing BLs merged with ADAF-like flows and/or hot coronae, where the advection of energy is likely launching an outflow and heating the WD, thereby explaining the high WD temperature in VY Scl systems. This is further supported by the fact that the X-ray hardness ratio increases with the shallowness of the UV slope in a small CV sample we examine. Furthermore, for 105 disk-dominated systems, the International Ultraviolet Explorer spectra UV slope decreases in the same order as the ratio of the X-ray flux to optical/UV flux: from SU UMa's, to U Gem's, Z Cam's, UX UMa's, and VY Scl's.

Time resolved spectroscopy and photometry of three little known bright cataclysmic variables: LS IV [formula omitted]08° 3, HQ Monocerotis and ST Chamaeleontis

As part of a project to better characterize comparatively bright but so far little studied cataclysmic variables in the southern hemisphere, we have obtained spectroscopic and photometric data of the nova-like variables LS IV −08° 3 and HQ Mon, and of the Z Cam type dwarf nova ST Cha. The spectra of all systems are as expected for their respective types. We derive improved orbital ephemeris of LS IV −08° 3 and map its accretion disk in the light of the Hα emission using Doppler tomography. We find that the emission has a two component origin, arising in the outer parts of the accretion disk and possibly on the illuminated face of the secondary star. The light curve of LS IV −08° 3 exhibits a low level of flickering and indications for a modulation on the orbital period. Spectroscopy of HQ Mon suggests an orbital period of ≈ 5h.15 which is incompatible with previous (uncertain) estimates. The light curves show the typical low scale flickering of UX UMa type nova-like systems, superposed upon variations on longer time scales. During one night a modulation with a period of ≈ 41m is observed, visible for at least 4 hours. However, it does not repeat itself in other nights. A spectroscopic orbital period of ≈ 5h.5 is derived for ST Cha. A previously suspected period of 6h.8 (or alternatively 9h.6), based on historical photographic photometry is incompatible with the spectroscopic period. Moreover, we show that our new as well as previous photometry does not contain evidence for the quoted photometric period.

Radial velocity studies of HeII and [formula omitted] emission from cataclysmic variables

Radial velocity (RV) plots of HeII and Hβ emission lines from non-magnetic Cataclysmic Variable (CV) systems are frequently fit with a sin curve but sometimes contain outlying data points around phase ϕ∼1.0. A lack of consensus exists on the origin of these outlying points. In this work, we develop an analytical model that is based upon our 3D Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic (SPH) numerical model to simulate these RV curves. Our chosen targets are CV SW Sextanis-like systems UX Uma and RW Tri as well as SU UMa dwarf novae systems Hα0242–28 and 1RXSJ1808+10, which have secondary-to-primary mass ratios of q=(0.43, 0.86, 0.27, 0.18), respectively. In our model, we include disk eccentricity, inclination angle, degree of disk-tilt, bright spot (s), and/or gas stream overflow. Our model provides good non-sinusoidal fits to the observed RV data, including outlying data points near ϕ∼1.0, suggesting these excess points may be caused by gas-stream overflow.

Dark spot, spiral waves and the SW Sextantis behaviour: it is all about UX Ursae Majoris

We present an analysis of time-resolved, medium resolution optical spectroscopic observations of UX UMa in the blue (3920-5250 A) and red (6100-7200 A) wavelength ranges, that were obtained in April 1999 and March 2008 respectively. The observed characteristics of our spectra indicate that UX UMa has been in different states during those observations. The blue spectra are very complex. They are dominated by strong and broad single-peaked emission lines of hydrogen. The high-excitation lines of HeII 4686 and the Bowen blend are quite strong as well. All the lines consist of a mixture of absorption and emission components. Using Doppler tomography we have identified four distinct components of the system: the accretion disc, the secondary star, the bright spot from the gas stream/disc impact region, and the unique compact area of absorption in the accretion disc seen as a dark spot in the lower-left quadrant of the tomograms. In the red wavelength range, both the hydrogen (H_alpha) and neutral helium (HeI 6678 and HeI 7065) lines were observed in emission and both exhibited double-peaked profiles. Doppler tomography of these lines reveals spiral structure in the accretion disc, but in contrast to the blue wavelength range, there is no evidence for either the dark spot or the gas stream/disc impact region emission, while the emission from the secondary star is weak. During the observations in 1999, UX UMa showed many of the defining properties of the SW Sex stars. However, all these features almost completely disappeared in 2008. We have also estimated the radial velocity semi-amplitudes K_1 and K_2 and evaluated the system parameters of UX UMa. These estimates are inconsistent with previous values derived by means of analysis of WD eclipse features in the light curve in the different wavelength ranges.

THE GEOMETRY AND IONIZATION STRUCTURE OF THE WIND IN THE ECLIPSING NOVA-LIKE VARIABLES RW TRI AND UX UMa

The UV spectra of nova-like variables are dominated by emission from the accretion disk, modified by scattering in a wind emanating from the disk. Here we model the spectra of RW Tri and UX UMa, the only two eclipsing nova-likes which have been observed with the Hubble Space Telescope in the far-ultraviolet, in an attempt to constrain the geometry and the ionization structure of their winds. Using our Monte Carlo radiative transfer code we computed spectra for simply-parameterized axisymmetric biconical outflow models and were able to find plausible models for both systems. These reproduce the primary UV resonance lines - N V, Si IV, and C IV - in the observed spectra in and out of eclipse. The distribution of these ions in the wind models is similar in both cases as is the extent of the primary scattering regions in which these lines are formed. The inferred mass loss rates are 6% to 8% of the mass accretion rates for the systems. We discuss the implication of our point models for our understanding of accretion disk winds in cataclysmic variables.

DISCOVERY OF A NOVA-LIKE CATACLYSMIC VARIABLE IN THEKEPLER MISSIONFIELD

We announce the identification of a new cataclysmic variable star in the field of the Kepler Mission, KIC J192410.81+445934.9. This system was identified during a search for compact pulsators in the Kepler field. High-speed photometry reveals coherent large-amplitude variability with a period of 2.94 h. Rapid, large-amplitude quasi-periodic variations are also detected on time scales of ~1200 s and ~650 s. Time-resolved spectroscopy covering one half photometric period shows shallow, broad Balmer and He I absorption lines with bright emission cores as well as strong He II and Bowen blend emission. Radial velocity variations are also observed in the Balmer and He I emission lines that are consistent with the photometric period. We therefore conclude that KIC J192410.81+445934.9 is a nova-like variable of the UX UMa class in or near the period gap, and it may belong to the rapidly growing subclass of SW Sex systems. Based on 2MASS photometry and companion star models, we place a lower limit on the distance to the system of ~500 pc. Due to limitations of our discovery data, additional observations including spectroscopy and polarimetry are needed to confirm the nature of this object. Such data will help to further understanding of the behavior of nova-like variables in the critical period range of 3-4 h, where standard cataclysmic variable evolutionary theory finds major problems. The presence of this system in the Kepler mission field-of-view also presents a unique opportunity to obtain a continuous photometric data stream of unparalleled length and precision on a cataclysmic variable system.

Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopy of Seven Nova-Like Variables

ABSTRACTWe present the results of a multicomponent synthetic spectral analysis of the archival far ultraviolet spectra of several key nova-like variables including members of the SW Sex, RW Tri, UX UMa, and VY Scl subclasses: KR Aur, RW Tri, V825 Her, V795 Her, BP Lyn, V425 Cas, and HL Aqr. Accretion rates as well as the possible flux contribution of the accreting white dwarf are included in our analysis. Except for RW Tri, which has a reliable trigonometric parallax, we computed the distances to the nova-like systems using the method of Knigge. Our analysis of seven archival IUE spectra of RW Tri at its parallax distance of 341 pc consistently indicates a low mass (∼0.4 M⊙) white dwarf and an average accretion rate, . For KR Aur, we estimate that the white dwarf has Teff = 29,000 ± 2000 K, log g = 8.4, and contributes 18% of the far-UV flux, while an accretion disk with accretion rate at an inclination of 41° contributes the remainder. We find that an accretion disk dominates the far-UV spectrum of V425 Cas but a white dwarf contributes nonnegligibly with approximately 18% of the far-UV flux. For the two high state nova-likes, HL Aqr and V825 Her, their accretion disks totally dominate with and 3 × 10-9 M⊙ yr-1, respectively. For BP Lyn we find while for V795 Her, we find an accretion rate of . We discuss the implications of our results for the evolutionary status of nova-like variables.

Modeling UX Ursae Majoris: An Abundance of Challenges

We present a system model for optical and far-UV spectra of the nova-like variable UX UMa involving a white dwarf, secondary star, gas stream, hot spot, and accretion disk using our code BINSYN and based on an initially adopted system distance. Calculated SED intensity data successfully fit successive tomographically extracted annuli longward of the Balmer limit but require a postulated iron curtain shortward of the Balmer limit that is applied to the annulus section closest to the secondary star, while postulated recombination emission fills in the model SED shortward of the Balmer limit and is applied to the annulus section more remote from the secondary star. The same model fits UBV 1954 light curves by Walker and Herbig. Fits to HST FOS spectra are approximate but require assumed time-variable changes in the SED. Comparable effects, possibly involving variable absorption, afflict FUSE spectra. Fits to IUE spectra by the model show time-dependent residuals that indicate changes in the accretion disk temperature profile, possibly indicative of a slightly variable from the secondary star. Using model-based component light contributions and the improvement on the Bailey relation by Knigge we determine the system distance and mass transfer rate.

A NEW, BRIGHT, SHORT-PERIOD, EMISSION LINE BINARY IN OPHIUCHUS

The 11th magnitude star LS IV-08°3 has been classified previously as an OB star in the Luminous Stars survey, or alternatively as a hot subdwarf. It is actually a binary star. We present spectroscopy, spectroscopic orbital elements, and time-series photometry from observations made at the Kitt Peak National Observatory 2.1 m, Steward Observatory 2.3 m, MDM Observatory 1.3 m and 2.4 m, Hobby-Eberly 9.2 m, and Michigan State University 0.6 m telescopes. The star exhibits emission of varying strength in the cores of H and He I absorption lines. Emission is also present at 4686 A (He II) and near 4640/4650 A (N III/C III). Time-series spectroscopy collected from 2005 July to 2007 June shows coherent, periodic radial velocity variations of the Hα line, which we interpret as orbital motion with a period of 0.1952894(10) days. High-resolution spectra show that there are two emission components, one broad and one narrow, moving in antiphase, as might arise from an accretion disk and the irradiated face of the mass donor star. Less coherent, low-amplitude photometric variability is also present on a timescale similar to the orbital period. Diffuse interstellar bands indicate considerable reddening, which however is consistent with a distance of ~100-200 pc. The star is the likely counterpart of a weak ROSAT X-ray source, whose properties are consistent with accretion in a cataclysmic variable (CV) binary system. We classify LS IV-08°3 as a new member of the UX UMa subclass of CV stars.

Discovery of a bright eclipsing cataclysmic variable

We report on the discovery of J0644+3344, a bright deeply eclipsing cataclysmic variable (CV) binary. Spectral signatures of both binary components and an accretion disk can be seen at optical wavelengths. The optical spectrum shows broad H I, He I, and He II accretion disk emission lines with deep narrow absorption components from H I, He I, Mg II and Ca II. The absorption lines are seen throughout the orbital period, disappearing only during primary eclipse. These absorption lines are either the the result of an optically-thick inner accretion disk or from the photosphere of the primary star. Radial velocity measurements show that the H I, He I, and Mg II absorption lines phase with the the primary star, while weak absorption features in the continuum phase with the secondary star. Radial velocity solutions give a 150+/-4 km/s semi-amplitude for the primary star and 192.8+/-5.6 km/s for the secondary. The individual stellar masses are 0.63-0.69 Mdot for the primary and 0.49-0.54 Mdot for the secondary. The bright eclipsing nature of this binary has helped provide masses for both components with an accuracy rarely achieved for CVs. This binary most closely resembles a nova-like UX UMa or SW Sex type of CV. J0644+3344, however, has a longer orbital period than most UX UMa or SW Sex stars. Assuming an evolution toward shorter orbital periods, J0644+3344 is therefore likely to be a young interacting binary. The secondary star is consistent with the size and spectral type of a K8 star, but has an M0 mass.

Structure of the accretion disk in the cataclysmic variable UX UMa in the transition to its quiescent state

Our analysis of BV RI light curves for the cataclysmic variable UX UMa obtained in intermediate activity states, in the transition between the active and quiescent states of the system on March 12, 1997 and May 3, 2000, shows that the shapes of these light curves cannot be adequately described using the standard hot-spot model. A model with a “hot line” near the edge of the disk and a two-armed spiral structure on the disk surface reproduces much better out-of-eclipse variations in the light curves. The presence of an extended hot line can explain the anomalous shape of the I light curve on March 12, 1997. The decrease in the observed luminosity of the system between March 12, 1997 and May 3, 2000 could be due to a decrease in the disk luminosity by a factor of 2–2.5; the higher disk luminosity on the earlier date is associated with appreciable deviations of the radial temperature distribution of the disk material from that for the standard model. The phases and depths of dips in the out-of-eclipse sections of the UX UMa light curves are due primarily to the parameters of the complex shape of the accretion disk, which has a spiral structure located mainly near its outer edge. The contribution of the spiral arms in the V filter reaches 20–50% of the total disk radiation. The crest of the first spiral wave in our model maintains its approximate position in azimuth; this structure could represent a bulge in a halo at the outer edge of the disk near orbital phases φ ∼ 0.7, in the direction of the continuation of the extended shock in the disk itself. The position of the crest of the second spiral arm changes with time. This structure may represent a one-armed spiral wave near the apastron of the weakly elliptical disk. Finally, the observations testify to the presence of another spiral arm that is les clearly manifest in terms of both its luminosity and its height above the unperturbed disk surface. Thus, in an intermediate activity state of UX UMa, the surface of the accretion disk is distorted by the action of a two-armed spiral structure in the outer regions of the disk, which is asymmetric in both its luminosity and dimensions, and a bulge at the disk edge in the region of its interaction with the inflow to the disk.

Photometric and Hα Observations of the Cataclysmic Star UX UMa

UBVRI photometry and spectroscopic observations around the Hα line of the cataclysmic star UX UMa are presented. The analysis of the 9-year photometry shows that the out-of-eclipse brightness of the system and the depth of the eclipse changes in different time scales while the width of the eclipse remains constant. The observed features of the light curves as well as the features of the two-peaked Hα profiles were attributed to an inhomogeneity of the accretion disk. “Spiral arm” model for a fitting of the light curves of UX UMa is proposed. It reproduces well the observational data. The obtained azimuthal extent of the spiral arms is of ∼90° and their light contribution is about 17–30of the total V flux of the disk. The obtained two dense structures at the outer disk covering partially the inner hot disk and the white dwarf at orbital phases ∼0.7 and ∼0.2 is in agreement with the predictions of the theoretical computations.

Time-Resolved Spectroscopy and Doppler Tomography of UX UMa

Medium resolution spectroscopy of nova-like cataclysmic variable UX UMA was performed using the 6-m telescope SAO RAS in April 1999. Obtained spectra cover the total orbital period including eclipse phases and allow us to reproduce the radial velocity curve. The radial-velocity variations of the Hβ emission line are found to have semi-amplitude of about 100 km/s.

A Search for Collimated Jets in Cataclysmic Variables

ABSTRACTWe present a spectroscopic search for jet features in the cataclysmic variables (CVs) RW Sex, UX UMa, and RW Tri, and in the symbiotic system MWC 560. No unambiguous identification of jets are made in the CVs, which has interesting implications for the source of collimated outflows. In the symbiotic system MWC 560, which has previously had the presence of a collimated jet postulated, we have identified tentative jet features corresponding to a jet speed of about 3000 km s−1. If confirmed, this would be the second symbiotic system with a positive identification of a jet. An updated ephemeris for RW Sex is also presented.

AnXMM-Newtonobservation of the nova-like variable UX UMa: spatially and spectrally resolved two-component X-ray emission

In the optical and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, UX Ursae Majoris is a deeply eclipsing cataclysmic variable. However, no soft X-ray eclipse was detected in ROSAT observations. We have obtained a 38 ksec XMM–Newton observation to constrain further the origin of the X-rays. The combination of spectral and timing information allows us to identify two components in the X-ray emission of the system. The soft component, dominant below photon energies of 2 keV, can be fitted with a multitemperature plasma model and is uneclipsed. The hard component, dominant above 3 keV, can be fitted with a kT∼ 5 keV plasma model and appears to be deeply eclipsed. We suggest that the most likely source of the hard X-ray emission in UX UMa, and other systems in high mass transfer states, is the boundary layer.

Hubble Space TelescopeObservations of the Nova-like Cataclysmic Variable V348 Puppis

We present time series UV and optical (1150 -- 8000 A) spectrophotometry of the novalike (NL) cataclysmic variable V348 Pup through and after eclipse. Outside of eclipse, the spectrum is characterized by a blue continuum, strong line emission, and a broad dip from 2000 -- 3000 A. The continuum eclipse depth is roughly the same over the entire wavelength range covered and there are no signatures of the WD eclipse in the light curves. Model steady-state accretion disk spectra provide a poor fit to the shape of the UV-optical spectrum outside of eclipse. All of these properties are consistent with a disk that is self-shielding, hiding the inner disk and the white dwarf. In eclipse, the emission lines and the broad dip are occulted less than the continuum, indicating vertical extension in these components. The dip is consistent with the presence of a vertical ``Fe II'' absorbing curtain in the system. Archival UV-optical spectra of the lower-inclination NL UX UMa show a bluer continuum and weaker line emission than in V348 Pup and no broad dip. There is strong flickering in V348 Pup. The flickering spectrum shows that the flickering occurs only in the continuum. We did not detect any periodicities associated with the rapid variability. The properties of V348 Pup are consistent with its previous identification as a member of the SW Sex sub-class of NLs.