RE:0751+14 the First Intermediate Polar

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

39

Polarization - Binaries: Close - Stars: Individual: Re0751+14 - Stars: Magnetic Fields - Novae, Cataclysmic Variables - Stars: Rotation

Scientific paper

We present optical spectroscopy, multicolour photometry and polarimetry of the new intermediate polar, RE0751+14, discovered during the ROSAT WFC survey. The wings of its emission lines exhibit radial velocity motion with a period ˜13.9 min, confirming that this is the rotation period of the white dwarf. Intriguingly, the R- and I-band photometric light curves reveal a double-peaked profile at the rotation period. In contrast, the B-band light curve, at least in our longest (˜5 h) time-series in that colour, is apparently dominated by a 14.5-min, broadly sinusoidal pulsation. There is supporting evidence from a short NOT observation at an earlier epoch that a modulation with a slightly longer period than the rotation period makes an increasing contribution at blue wavelengths. The 14.5-min variation probably represents the synodic (beat) period in the system and predicts a binary period of about 5.3 h, consistent with the estimate gleaned from previous spectroscopy. This colour dependence of the period in RE0751+14 makes it unique amongst the known intermediate polars. The strongly red colour dependence of the rotational pulsation in RE0751+14 is suggestive of a cyclotron origin, an interpretation supported by evidence of variable circular polarization in the R-band light from the star. RE0751+14 is only the second intermediate polar known to emit polarized fight. As such, the double-peaked nature of the R- and I-band modulations may reflect the effects of cyclotron beaming, rather than the alternative which is that we are witnessing two sites (poles) of the white dwarf in RE0751+14 emitting at red wavelengths. RE0751+14 may well be the first intermediate polar binary with a polar-like magnetic field.

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

RE:0751+14 the First Intermediate Polar 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 RE:0751+14 the First Intermediate Polar, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and RE:0751+14 the First Intermediate Polar will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1564429

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