On the Existence of Low-Luminosity, Short-Period Cataclysmic Variables Beyond the Orbital Period Minimum

Details On the Existence of Low-Luminosity, Short-Period Cataclysmic Variables Beyond the Orbital Period Minimum On the Existence of Low-Luminosity, Short-Period Cataclysmic Variables Beyond the Orbital Period Minimum

Dec 1996

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1996aas...189.7604p&link_type=abstract

American Astronomical Society, 189th AAS Meeting, #76.04; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 28, p.1371

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

Scientific paper

Models of the present-day, intrinsic population of cataclysmic variables (CVs) predict that 99% of these systems should be of short orbital period (Porb la 2.5 hr). The Galaxy is old enough so that ~ 70% of these will have already reached their period minimum and will be evolving back toward longer periods. Mass transfer rates in these highly evolved binaries are predicted to be la 10(-11) M_sun yr(-1) leading to M_V's of ~ 10 or fainter. Recent observations of a group of low-luminosity dwarf novae (TOADs) provide evidence which indicates that some of these stars may indeed be the above theoretically- predicted old CVs. Theory suggests that these intrinsically faint dwarf novae are likely to contain degenerate (brown dwarf) secondaries having masses between 0.02-0.06 M_sun ( ~ 40 Jupiter masses) and radii near 0.1 R_sun. We explore the possible connection between TOADs and CVs with degenerate secondaries in greater detail. Assuming TOADS are CVs with degenerate secondaries, then these systems may be used to set a lower limit on the age of the Galaxy and may provide an important complement to our understanding of brown dwarfs.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

On the Existence of Low-Luminosity, Short-Period Cataclysmic Variables Beyond the Orbital Period Minimum 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 On the Existence of Low-Luminosity, Short-Period Cataclysmic Variables Beyond the Orbital Period Minimum, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the Existence of Low-Luminosity, Short-Period Cataclysmic Variables Beyond the Orbital Period Minimum will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-817780