Probing the Paradigm for Cataclysmic Variable Evolution: the Search for Circumbinary Disks

Details Probing the Paradigm for Cataclysmic Variable Evolution: the Search for Circumbinary Disks Probing the Paradigm for Cataclysmic Variable Evolution: the Search for Circumbinary Disks

Feb 2006

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006noao.prop..516b&link_type=abstract

NOAO Proposal ID #2006A-0516

Computer Science

Scientific paper

The secular evolution of cataclysmic variables (CVs) is driven by the loss of orbital angular momentum. Two mechanisms are usually invoked to account for the dissipation of angular momentum: gravitational radiation and magnetic braking of the secondary star. However, this dual loss-mechanism cannot completely account for the very large mass-transfer rates inferred for some CVs, or for the large spread in mass transfer rates observed at a given orbital period (i.e. evolutionary state). An additional angular momentum loss mechanism is needed; a likely possibility is the presence of a circumbinary disk (CBD) surrounding the CV. The CBD would be large (up to several AU in radius) and cool (a few thousand K at the inner edge to less than 1000 K at the outer edge). Its peak emission therefore occurs in the infrared. We have been awarded Spitzer Space Telescope time to observe 8 CVs in the mid-IR, with the aim of assembling spectral energy distributions for the sample to search for infrared excess indicative of the presence of a CBD. However, due to the highly variable nature of these objects, we are unable to use archival data to extend our SEDs into the near-IR and optical wavebands. We therefore request simultaneous or near- simultaneous ground-based observations of the selected CVs to complement our Spitzer observations.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Probing the Paradigm for Cataclysmic Variable Evolution: the Search for Circumbinary Disks does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Probing the Paradigm for Cataclysmic Variable Evolution: the Search for Circumbinary Disks, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Probing the Paradigm for Cataclysmic Variable Evolution: the Search for Circumbinary Disks will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1722325