Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2006-04-12
Astrophys.J. 643 (2006) L45-L48
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
12 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in the ApJ Letters
Scientific paper
10.1086/505029
Using Chandra HETG data we present light curves for individual spectral lines of Mg XI and Mg XII for EX Hydrae, an intermediate-polar type cataclysmic variable. The Mg XI light curve, folded on the white dwarf spin period, shows two spikes that are not seen in the Mg XII or broad-band light curves. Occultation of the accretion column by the body of the white dwarf would produce such spikes for an angle between the rotation axis and the accretion columns of alpha = 18 degrees and a height of the Mg XI emission above the white dwarf surface of < 0.0004 white dwarf radii or < 4 km. The absence of spikes in the Mg XII and broad-band light curves could then be explained if the bulk of its emission forms at much larger height, > 0.004 white dwarf radii or > 40 km, above the white dwarf surface, although this is not consistent with the predictions of the standard Aizu model of the accretion column.
Brickhouse Nancy S.
Hoogerwerf Ronnie
Mauche Christopher W.
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