Structure and Evolution of Compact Binary Systems: Infrared Spectroscopy of SS Cygni

Details Structure and Evolution of Compact Binary Systems: Infrared Spectroscopy of SS Cygni Structure and Evolution of Compact Binary Systems: Infrared Spectroscopy of SS Cygni

Jun 2005

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005sptz.prop20074f&link_type=abstract

Spitzer Proposal ID #20074

Physics

Scientific paper

Cataclysmic variables (CVs) are interacting binary systems in which a white dwarf accretes mass from a late-type donor star. In dwarf novae (DN), accretion occurs via a disk around the white dwarf that undergoes semi-regular outbursts caused by thermal-viscous disk instabilities. Because of their proximity and lack of obscuration, CVs are excellent systems in which to study the physics of disk accretion and binary star evolution. Ground-based mid-IR (4 -- 18 micron) photometry of the quiescent DN SS Cygni revealed a flux well in excess of that expected from the accretion disk and the donor star. The IR emission also appeared to vary on 15~min timescales, although the limited sensitivity of the ground-based observations precluded detailed variability study. The source of this emission is not known. Possible IR emission regions in DN include circumbinary material, a remnant of the common envelope evolutionary phase of the binary; a previously unobserved component of the accretion disk; or an outflow from the disk or the donor star. We propose Spitzer IRS staring mode observations to identify and characterize the source of the quiescent IR emission in SS Cyg. We will use the observations to study both the high S/N, time-averaged spectrum of the IR source and to construct time-resolved lightcurves in multiple wavebands. The spectra and lightcurves will allow us to distinguish between circumbinary emission, likely to be cold and dusty, and a disk or outflow source, which will be warmer and possibly show molecular and/or shocked gas emission features. Spitzer is the only instrument capable of obtaining these data, which will enable us to open a new window on the accretion physics and evolution of CVs.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Structure and Evolution of Compact Binary Systems: Infrared Spectroscopy of SS Cygni 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 Structure and Evolution of Compact Binary Systems: Infrared Spectroscopy of SS Cygni, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Structure and Evolution of Compact Binary Systems: Infrared Spectroscopy of SS Cygni will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1166719