Hubble space telescope Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph observation of U Geminorum during quiescence: Evidence for a slowly rotating white dwarf

Other

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

52

Spectrum Analysis, Stellar Rotation, Ultraviolet Spectrometers, White Dwarf Stars, Angular Velocity, Hubble Space Telescope, Line Shape, Red Shift

Scientific paper

We have obtained a pair of consecutive far-ultraviolet Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) exposures of the Si IV region of the dwarf nova U Geminorum in early quiescence, 8 days after its return to optical quiescence when the underlying white dwarf dominates the ultraviolet light of the system. Our GHRS observation revealed a fully resolved line profile for the resonance doublet of Si IV. If it is associated with the white dwarf photosphere, then our best synthetic fits are consistent with T eff = 35,000 K-38,000 K, log g = 8, a rotational velocity of 50 to 100 km per sec, with a modestly enhanced silicon abundance (1.3-2.3 times solar) and our results suggest that at least in U Gem and perhaps in other similar dwarf novae, the missing boundary layer cannot be explained by rapid rotation of the white dwarf. However, the gamma-velocity of the system remains uncertain. If the gamma-velocity is 43 km per sec (Friend et al. 1990), then a gravitational redshift of approximately 50-60 km per sec is implied for the white dwarf. If the gamma-velocity is 84 km per sec (Wade 1981), then a gravitational redshift of only 10-30 km per sec is indicated, which may imply that either the white dwarf has a low (0.5-0.6 of Solar Mass) mass or an extended atmosphere (corona) due to the outburst heating 8 days earlier. The implications of our line-fitting results for the structure and temperature of boundary layers in cataclysmic variables are discussed.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Hubble space telescope Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph observation of U Geminorum during quiescence: Evidence for a slowly rotating white dwarf 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 Hubble space telescope Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph observation of U Geminorum during quiescence: Evidence for a slowly rotating white dwarf, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hubble space telescope Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph observation of U Geminorum during quiescence: Evidence for a slowly rotating white dwarf will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1253368

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.