Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2001-06-06
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
5 pages, 1 figure. Accepted for publication in Astron. Astrophys
Scientific paper
10.1051/0004-6361:20010776
The 33 s pulsing component observed from AE Aqr is frequently assumed to be the result of accretion onto the surface of a rotating white dwarf. The validity of this assumption is discussed in the present paper. I show that under the conditions of interest the white dwarf is in the state of supersonic propeller and the efficiency of plasma penetration into its magnetosphere is < 0.1%. This is too small to explain the observed luminosity of the pulsing component. Moreover, I find that for the currently established value of the angle between the magnetic and rotational axes of the white dwarf, the material entering the magnetosphere at the boundary can never reach its surface by flowing along the magnetic field lines. I conclude that the assumption about the direct accretion onto the surface of the white dwarf in AE Aqr contradicts the observational data obtained in the optical/UV and thus cannot be accepted.
No associations
LandOfFree
Can the 33s pulsations observed from AE Aquarii be explained in terms of accretion onto the white dwarf surface? 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 Can the 33s pulsations observed from AE Aquarii be explained in terms of accretion onto the white dwarf surface?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Can the 33s pulsations observed from AE Aquarii be explained in terms of accretion onto the white dwarf surface? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-595114