Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2001-02-05
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
6 pages, 2 figures, to be published in Astronomische Nachrichten; correct inclusion of figure 1
Scientific paper
10.1002/1521-3994(200103)322:1<9
I propose that the properties of the two outbursts observed in the X-ray transient XTE J1118+480 in 2000 are akin to superoutbursts of SU UMa stars. In these systems a `normal' outburst immediately precedes a 5-10 times longer (`super')outburst. The optical light curve of the outbursts of XTE J1118+480 is remarkably similar to that seen in some SU UMa stars, such as UV Per and T Leo, where the precursor outburst is distinct from the superoutburst, but the time scales are a factor of ~15 different. The first outburst of XTE J1118+480 was relatively short (~1 month) while the second outburst was ~5 times longer. During the second outburst superhumps were seen, a feature characteristic for superoutbursts. The gap of about a month between the two outbursts is longer in X-rays with respect to the optical, a feature not previously recognized for X-ray transients. Also in SU UMa stars the precursor outburst becomes more distinct at shorter wavelengths. Finally, I show that the time of appearance of the superhumps in XTE J1118+480 is consistent with the expected superhump growth time, if the superhump mechanism was triggered during the first outburst. I conclude that the similarity in outburst behaviour in the two types of systems provides further support that a common mechanism is at work to start the long (`super')outbursts.
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