The nature of TW Pictoris

Details The nature of TW Pictoris The nature of TW Pictoris

Feb 2000

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000mnras.312..362n&link_type=abstract

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Volume 312, Issue 2, pp. 362-370.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

9

Stars: Individual: Tw Pic, Novae, Cataclysmic Variables, X-Rays: Stars

Scientific paper

The results of X-ray and optical observations of the candidate intermediate polar TW Pic are presented in an attempt to understand its nature. We find no sign of the previously proposed ~2h white-dwarf spin period and ~6h orbital period of TW Pic in its X-ray light curve. There is therefore no convincing evidence in support of its previous classification. The lack of X-ray pulsation could be the result of a low inclination angle, but in that case there would be no reason why an optical pulsation should have been seen previously. Negative results from polarimetry also preclude TW Pic from being a polar. One possibility may be that the shorter of the two periods is in fact the orbital period, whilst the longer one is a harmonic of a disc precession period. Alternatively, both the high accretion rate and period structure of TW Pic indicate that it may be a system that displays persistent negative superhumps. In this case the true orbital period of the binary may be around 6.36h and the shorter of the two previously identified periods, 1.996h, represents the (shifted) second harmonic of a negative superhump period of 6.06h. Under this interpretation, it would be the longest period system to display such a phenomenon. Finally there is also evidence that TW Pic may be a VY Scl star, in which case it would be the longest period member of that subclass too.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The nature of TW Pictoris 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 The nature of TW Pictoris, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The nature of TW Pictoris will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1496291