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DOE OSTI2015

OPTICAL STUDIES OF 13 HARD X-RAY SELECTED CATACLYSMIC BINARIES FROM THE SWIFT-BAT SURVEY

From a set of 13 cataclysmic binaries that were discovered in the Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) survey, we conducted time-resolved optical spectroscopy and/or time-series photometry of 11, with the goal of measuring their orbital periods and searching for spin periods. Seven of the objects in this study are new optical identifications. Orbital periods are found for seven targets, ranging from 81 minutes to 20.4 hr. PBC J0706.7+0327 is an AM Herculis star (polar) based on its emission-line variations and large amplitude photometric modulation on the same period. Swift J2341.0+7645 may be a polar, although the evidence here is less secure. Coherent pulsations are detected from two objects, Swift J0503.7−2819 (975 s) and Swift J0614.0+1709 (1412 s and 1530 s, spin and beat periods, respectively), indicating that they are probable intermediate polars (DQ Herculis stars). For two other stars, longer spin periods are tentatively suggested. We also present the discovery of a 2.00 hr X-ray modulation from RX J2015.6+3711, possibly a contributor to Swift J2015.9+3715, and likely a polar.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2010

DISCOVERY OF POLARIZED EMISSION FROM TWO SOFT X-RAY-EMITTING INTERMEDIATE POLARS: UU Col AND NY Lup

We aim to investigate the magnetic field strengths and cyclotron emission of the two soft X-ray-emitting intermediate polars (IPs) UU Col and NY Lup. We study the connection between polars and soft X-ray-emitting IPs by searching for evidence of circularly polarized light in these two systems, which may be examples of progenitors of polars. We carried out photopolarimetric observations of our targets using the Very Large Telescope (UT2) and FORS1 at Paranal. Imaging polarimetry with good signal-to-noise and relatively high time resolution is possible for these targets using such a large telescope. Detection of circular polarization, modulated according to a white dwarf (WD) spin period, is clear evidence of cyclotron emission processes near the WD surface. The color dependence of the polarization allows us to make estimates of the magnetic field strength. We found that both UU Col and NY Lup emit circularly polarized light in the B and I bands, modulated at the spin period of the WD in each case. We add further confirmation to the idea that soft X-ray-emitting IPs emit circularly polarized light and that cyclotron emission plays an important role in these systems. This also suggests that some soft X-ray-emitting IPs might be progenitors of polars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

DISCOVERY AND CHARACTERIZATION OF AN EXTREMELY DEEP-ECLIPSING CATACLYSMIC VARIABLE: LSQ172554.8-643839

We report the discovery of an eclipsing cataclysmic variable with eclipse depths >5.7 mag, orbital period 94.657 minutes, and peak brightness V {approx} 18 at J2000 position 17{sup h}25{sup m}54.{sup s}8, -64{sup 0}38'39''. Detected by visual inspection of images from Yale University's QUEST camera on the European Southern Observatory 1.0 m Schmidt telescope at La Silla, we obtained light curves in B, V, R, I, z, and J with SMARTS 1.3 m and 1.0 m telescopes at Cerro Tololo and spectra from 3500 to 9000 A with the SOAR 4.3 m telescope at Cerro Pachon. The optical light curves show a deep, 5-minute eclipse immediately followed by a shallow 38-minute eclipse and then sinusoidal variation. No eclipses appear in J. During the deep eclipse we measure V-J > 7.1, corresponding to a spectral type M8 or later secondary, consistent with the dynamical constraints. The estimated distance is 150 ps. The spectra show strong hydrogen emission lines, Doppler broadened by 600-1300 km s{sup -1}, oscillating with radial velocity that peaks at mid deep eclipse with semi-amplitude 500 {+-} 22 km s{sup -1}. We suggest that LSQ172554.8-643839 is a polar with a low-mass secondary viewed at high inclination. No known radio or X-ray source coincides with the new object's location.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

THE UNUSUAL X-RAY BINARIES OF THE GLOBULAR CLUSTER NGC 6652

Our 5 ks Chandra ACIS-S observation of the globular cluster NGC 6652 detected seven X-ray sources, three of which were previously unidentified. This cluster hosts a well-known bright low-mass X-ray binary, source A (or XB 1832-330). Source B shows unusual rapid flaring variability, with an average L{sub X} (0.5-10 keV) {approx}2 x 10{sup 34} erg s{sup -1}, but with minutes-long flares up to L{sub X} = 9 x 10{sup 34} erg s{sup -1}. Its spectrum can be fit by an absorbed power law of photon index {Gamma} {approx} 1.24 and hardens as the count rate decreases. This suggests that part or all of the variation might be due to obscuration by the rim of a highly inclined accretion disk. Sources C and D, with L{sub X} {approx} 10{sup 33} erg s{sup -1}, have soft and unusual spectra. Source C requires a very soft component, with a spectrum peaking at 0.5 keV, which might be the hot polar cap of a magnetically accreting polar cataclysmic variable. Source D shows a soft spectrum (fit by a power law of photon index {approx}2.3) with marginal evidence for an emission line around 1 keV; its nature is unclear. The faint new sources E, F, and G have luminosities of 1-2 x 10{sup 32} erg s{sup -1}, if associated with the cluster (which is likely). E and F have relatively hard spectra (consistent with power laws with photon index {approx}1.5). G lacks soft photons, suggesting absorption with N{sub H} > 10{sup 22} cm{sup -2}.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

PTF1 J071912.13+485834.0: AN OUTBURSTING AM CVn SYSTEM DISCOVERED BY A SYNOPTIC SURVEY

We present extensive photometric and spectroscopic observations of PTF1 J071912.13+485834.0, an outbursting AM CVn system discovered by the Palomar Transient Factory (PTF). AM CVn systems are stellar binaries with some of the smallest separations known and orbital periods ranging from 5 to 65 minutes. They are believed to be composed of a white dwarf accretor and a (semi-)degenerate He-rich donor and are considered to be the helium equivalents of cataclysmic variables (CVs). We have spectroscopically and photometrically identified an orbital period of 26.77 {+-} 0.02 minutes for PTF1 J071912.13+485834.0 and found a super-outburst recurrence time of greater than 65 days along with the presence of 'normal' outbursts-rarely seen in AM CVn systems but well known in super-outbursting CVs. We present a long-term light curve over two super-cycles as well as high-cadence photometry of both outburst and quiescent stages, both of which show clear variability. We also compare both the outburst and quiescent spectra of PTF1 J071912.13+485834.0 to other known AM CVn systems, and use the quiescent phase-resolved spectroscopy to determine the origin of the photometric variability. Finally, we draw parallels between the different subclasses of SU UMa-type CVs and outbursting AM CVn systems. We conclude by predicting that the PTF may more than double the number of outbursting AM CVn systems known, which would greatly increase our understanding of AM CVn systems.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

THE HOT COMPONENTS OF AM CVn HELIUM CATACLYSMICS

We present the results of a multi-component synthetic spectral analysis of the archival far-ultraviolet spectra of the hot components of several AM CVn double degenerate interacting binaries with known distances from trigonometric parallaxes. Our analysis was carried out using the code BINSYN, which takes into account the donor companion star, the shock front which forms at the disk edge, and the FUV and NUV energy distribution. We fixed the distance of each system at its parallax-derived value and adopted appropriate values of orbital inclination and white dwarf (WD) mass. We find that the accretion-heated 'DO/DB' WDs are contributing significantly to the FUV flux in five of the systems (ES Ceti, CR Boo, V803 Cen, HP Lib, GP Com). In three of the systems, GP Com, ES Ceti, and CR Boo, the WD dominates the FUV/NUV flux. We present model-derived accretion rates which agree with the low end of the range of accretion rates derived earlier from blackbody fits over the entire spectral energy distribution. We find that the WD in ES Ceti is very likely not a direct impact accretor but has a small disk. The WD in ES Ceti has T{sub eff} {approx} 40, 000 {+-} 10, 000 K. This is far cooler than the previous estimate of Espaillat et al.. We find that the WD in GP Com has T{sub eff} = 14, 800 {+-} 500 K, which is hotter than the previously estimated temperature of 11,000 K. We present a comparison between our empirical results and current theoretical predictions for these systems.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

ANGULAR MOMENTUM LOSS MECHANISMS IN CATACLYSMIC VARIABLES BELOW THE PERIOD GAP

Mass transfer in cataclysmic variables (CVs) is usually considered to be caused by angular momentum loss (AML) driven by magnetic braking and gravitational radiation (GR) above the period gap, and solely by GR below the period gap. The best-fit revised model of CV evolution recently presented by Knigge et al., however, indicates that the AML rate below the period gap is 2.47({+-} 0.22) times the GR rate, suggesting the existence of some other AML mechanisms. We consider several kinds of consequential AML mechanisms often invoked in the literature: isotropic wind from the accreting white dwarfs, outflows from the Lagrangian points, and the formation of a circumbinary disk. We find that neither isotropic wind from the white dwarf nor outflow from the L{sub 1} point can explain the extra AML rate, while outflow from the L{sub 2} point or a circumbinary disk can effectively extract the angular momentum provided that {approx}(15-45)% of the transferred mass is lost from the binary. A more promising mechanism is a circumbinary disk exerting gravitational torque on the binary. In this case, the mass-loss fraction can be as low as {approx}< 10{sup -3}.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

DETECTION OF ACCRETION X-RAYS FROM QS Vir: CATACLYSMIC OR A LOT OF HOT AIR?

An XMM-Newton observation of the nearby 'pre-cataclysmic' short-period (P{sub orb} = 3.62 hr) binary QS Vir (EC 13471-1258) revealed regular narrow X-ray eclipses when the white dwarf passed behind its M2-4 dwarf companion. The X-ray emission provides a clear signature of mass transfer and accretion onto the white dwarf. The low-resolution XMM-Newton EPIC spectra are consistent with a cooling flow model and indicate an accretion rate of M-dot = 1.7 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -13} M{sub sun} yr{sup -1}. At 48 pc distant, QS Vir is then the second nearest accreting cataclysmic variable known, with one of the lowest accretion rates found to date for a non-magnetic system. To feed this accretion through a wind would require a wind mass-loss rate of M-dot {approx}2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -12} M{sub sun} yr{sup -1} if the accretion efficiency is of the order of 10%. Consideration of likely mass-loss rates for M dwarfs suggests this is improbably high and pure wind accretion unlikely. A lack of accretion disk signatures also presents some difficulties for direct Roche lobe overflow. We speculate that QS Vir is on the verge of Roche lobe overflow, and that the observed mass transfer could be supplemented by upward chromospheric flows on the M dwarf, analogous to spicules and mottles on the Sun, that escape the Roche surface to be subsequently swept up into the white dwarf Roche lobe. If so, QS Vir would be in a rare evolutionary phase lasting only a million years. The X-ray luminosity of the M dwarf estimated during primary eclipse is L{sub X} = 3 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 28} erg s{sup -1}, which is consistent with that of rapidly rotating 'saturated' K and M dwarfs.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

THE ChaMPlane BRIGHT X-RAY SOURCES-GALACTIC LONGITUDES l = 2 Degree-Sign -358 Degree-Sign

The Chandra Multi-wavelength Plane (ChaMPlane) survey aims to constrain the Galactic population of mainly accretion-powered, but also coronal, low-luminosity X-ray sources (L{sub X} {approx}< 10{sup 33} erg s{sup -1}). To investigate the X-ray source content in the plane at fluxes F{sub X} {approx}> 3 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -14} erg s{sup -1} cm{sup -2}, we study 21 of the brightest ChaMPlane sources, viz., those with >250 net counts (0.3-8 keV). By excluding the heavily obscured central part of the plane, our optical/near-infrared follow-up puts useful constraints on their nature. We have discovered two likely accreting white dwarf binaries. CXOPS J154305.5-522709 (CBS 7) is a cataclysmic variable showing periodic X-ray flux modulations on 1.2 hr and 2.4 hr; given its hard spectrum the system is likely magnetic. We identify CXOPS J175900.8-334548 (CBS 17) with a late-type giant; if the X-rays are indeed accretion powered, it belongs to the small but growing class of symbiotic binaries lacking strong optical nebular emission lines. CXOPS J171340.5-395213 (CBS 14) is an X-ray transient that brightened {approx}>100 times. We tentatively classify it as a very late type (>M7) dwarf, of which few have been detected in X-rays. The remaining sources are (candidate) active galaxies, normal stars and active binaries, and a plausible young T Tauri star. The derived cumulative number density versus flux (log N-log S) relation for the Galactic sources appears flatter than expected for an isotropic distribution, indicating that we are seeing a non-local sample of mostly coronal sources. Our findings define source templates that we can use, in part, to classify the >10{sup 4} fainter sources in ChaMPlane.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

SPECTROSCOPIC FOLLOW-UP OF X-RAY SOURCES IN THE ChaMPlane SURVEY: IDENTIFICATION OF A NEW CATACLYSMIC VARIABLE

We present a multi-object optical spectroscopy follow-up study of X-ray sources in a field along the Galactic plane (l = 327.{sup 0}42, b = 2.{sup 0}26) which is part of the Chandra Multi-wavelength Plane survey (ChaMPlane). We obtained spectra for 46 stars, including 15 likely counterparts to X-ray sources, and sources showing an H{alpha} color excess. This has led to the identification of a new cataclysmic variable (CV), CXOPS J154305.5-522709, also named ChaMPlane Bright Source 7 (CBS 7), and we identified eight X-ray sources in the field as active late-type stars. CBS 7 was previously studied in X-rays and showed a hard spectrum and two periods: 1.22 {+-} 0.08 hr and 2.43 {+-} 0.26 hr. We present here clear evidence that the source is a CV through the detection of H, He I, and He II emission lines in its optical spectrum. The hard X-ray spectrum and the presence of the He II {lambda}4686 in emission with a large equivalent width suggest a magnetic CV. The near-infrared counterpart is significantly variable, and we found a period consistent with the longest X-ray period at 2.39 {+-} 0.05 hr but not the shortest X-ray period. If this period is the orbital period, this would place the system in the CV period gap. The possible orbital period suggests a dM4 {+-} 1 companion star. The distance is then estimated to be {approx}1 kpc. The system could be a relatively hard and X-ray luminous polar or an intermediate polar, possibly nearly synchronous.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

AN EXAMINATION OF THE X-RAY SOURCES IN THE GLOBULAR CLUSTER NGC 6652

We observed the globular cluster NGC 6652 with Chandra for 47.5 ks, detecting six known X-ray sources, as well as five previously undetected X-ray sources. Source A (XB 1832-330) is a well-known bright low-mass X-ray binary (LXMB). The second brightest source, B, has a spectrum that fits well to either a power-law model ({Gamma} {approx} 1.3) or an absorbed hot gas emission model (kT {approx} 34 keV). Its unabsorbed 0.5-10 keV luminosity (L{sub X} = 1.6{sup +0.1}{sub -0.1} Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 34} erg s{sup -1}) is suggestive of a neutron star primary; however, Source B exhibits unusual variability for an LMXB, varying by over an order of magnitude on timescales of {approx}100 s. Source C's spectrum contains a strong low-energy component below {approx}1 keV. Its spectrum is well fit to a simplified magnetic cataclysmic variable (CV) model, thus the soft component may be explained by a hot polar cap of a magnetic CV. Source D has an average L{sub X} (0.5-10 keV) {approx}9 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 32} erg s{sup -1} and its spectrum is well fit to a neutron star atmosphere model. This is indicative of a quiescent neutron star LXMB, suggesting Source D may be the third known LMXB in NGC 6652. Source E has L{sub X} (0.5-10 keV) {approx}3 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 32} erg s{sup -1}, while Source F has L{sub X} (0.5-10 keV) {approx}1 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 32} erg s{sup -1}. Their relatively hard X-ray spectra are well-fit by power-law or plasma emission models. Five newly detected fainter sources have luminosities between 1 and 5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 31} erg s{sup -1}. NGC 6652 has an unusually flat X-ray luminosity function compared to other globular clusters, which may be connected to its extremely high central density.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

BROADBAND SPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF THE GALACTIC RIDGE X-RAY EMISSION

Detailed spectral analysis of the Galactic X-ray background emission, or the Galactic Ridge X-ray Emission (GRXE), is presented. To study the origin of the emission, broadband and high-quality GRXE spectra were produced from 18 pointing observations with Suzaku in the Galactic bulge region, with a total exposure of 1 Ms. The spectra were successfully fitted by a sum of two major spectral components: a spectral model of magnetic accreting white dwarfs with a mass of 0.66{sup +0.09}{sub -0.07} M{sub Sun} and a softer optically thin thermal emission with a plasma temperature of 1.2-1.5 keV that is attributable to coronal X-ray sources. When combined with previous studies that employed high spatial resolution of the Chandra satellite, the present spectroscopic result gives stronger support to the scenario that the GRXE is essentially an assembly of numerous discrete faint X-ray stars. The detected GRXE flux in the hard X-ray band was used to estimate the number density of the unresolved hard X-ray sources. When integrated over a luminosity range of {approx}10{sup 30}-10{sup 34} erg s{sup -1}, the result is consistent with a value that was reported previously by directly resolving faint point sources.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

IPHAS J062746.41+014811.3: A DEEPLY ECLIPSING INTERMEDIATE POLAR

We present time-resolved photometry of a cataclysmic variable discovered in the Isaac Newton Telescope Photometric H{alpha} Survey of the northern galactic plane, IPHAS J062746.41+014811.3, and classify the system as the fourth deeply eclipsing intermediate polar known with an orbital period of P {sub orb} = 8.16 hr and a spin period of P {sub spin} = 2210 s. The system shows mild variations of its brightness that appear to be accompanied by a change in the amplitude of the spin modulation at optical wavelengths and a change in the morphology of the eclipse profile. The inferred magnetic moment of the white dwarf is {mu}{sub wd} {approx} (6-7) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 33} G cm{sup 3}, and in this case IPHAS J062746.41+014811.3 will evolve either into a short-period EX Hya-like intermediate polar with a large P {sub spin}/P{sub orb} ratio or, perhaps more likely, into a synchronized polar. Swift observations show that the system is an ultraviolet and X-ray source, with a hard X-ray spectrum that is consistent with those seen in other intermediate polars. The ultraviolet light curve shows orbital modulation and an eclipse, while the low signal-to-noise ratio X-ray light curve does not show a significant modulation on the spin period. The measured X-ray flux is about an order of magnitude lower than would be expected from scaling by the optical fluxes of well-known X-ray-selected intermediate polars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

HST/ACS IMAGING OF OMEGA CENTAURI: OPTICAL COUNTERPARTS OF CHANDRA X-RAY SOURCES

We present results of a search for optical counterparts of X-ray sources in and toward the globular cluster Omega Centauri (NGC 5139) using the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) on the Hubble Space Telescope. The ACS data consist of a mosaic of Wide Field Channel images obtained using F625W, F435W, and F658N filters; with nine pointings we cover the central {approx}10' Multiplication-Sign 10' of the cluster and encompass 109 known Chandra sources. We find promising optical counterparts for 59 of the sources, {approx}40 of which are likely to be associated with the cluster. These include 27 candidate cataclysmic variables (CVs), 24 of which are reported here for the first time. Fourteen of the CV candidates are very faint, with absolute magnitudes in the range M {sub 625} =10.4-12.6, making them comparable in brightness to field CVs near the period minimum discovered in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Additional optical counterparts include three BY Dra candidates, a possible blue straggler, and a previously reported quiescent low-mass X-ray binary. We also identify 3 foreground stars and 11 probable active galactic nuclei. Finally, we report the discovery of a group of seven stars whose X-ray properties are suggestive of magnetically active binaries, and whose optical counterparts lie on or very near the metal-rich anomalous giant and subgiant branches in {omega} Cen. If the apparent association between these seven stars and the RGB/SGB-a stars is real, then the frequency of X-ray sources in this metal-rich population is enhanced by a factor of at least five relative to the other giant and subgiant populations in the cluster. If these stars are not members of the metal-rich population, then they bring the total number of red stragglers (also known as sub-subgiants) that have been identified in {omega} to Cen 20, the largest number yet known in any globular cluster.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

A CHANDRA X-RAY STUDY OF THE INTERACTING BINARIES IN THE OLD OPEN CLUSTER NGC 6791

We present the first X-ray study of NGC 6791, one of the oldest open clusters known (8 Gyr). Our Chandra observation is aimed at uncovering the population of close interacting binaries down to L{sub X} Almost-Equal-To 1 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 30} erg s{sup -1} (0.3-7 keV). We detect 86 sources within 8' of the cluster center, including 59 inside the half-mass radius. We identify 20 sources with proper-motion cluster members, which are a mix of cataclysmic variables (CVs), active binaries (ABs), and binaries containing sub-subgiants. With follow-up optical spectroscopy, we confirm the nature of one CV. We discover one new, X-ray variable candidate CV with Balmer and He II emission lines in its optical spectrum; this is the first X-ray-selected CV in an open cluster. The number of CVs per unit mass is consistent with the field, suggesting that the 3-4 CVs observed in NGC 6791 are primordial. We compare the X-ray properties of NGC 6791 with those of a few old open (NGC 6819, M 67) and globular clusters (47 Tuc, NGC 6397). It is puzzling that the number of ABs brighter than 1 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 30} erg s{sup -1} normalized by cluster mass is lower in NGC 6791 than in M 67 by a factor {approx}3-7. CVs, ABs, and sub-subgiants brighter than 1 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 30} erg s{sup -1} are under-represented per unit mass in the globular clusters compared to the oldest open clusters, and this accounts for the lower total X-ray luminosity per unit mass of the former. This indicates that the net effect of dynamical encounters may be the destruction of even some of the hardest (i.e., X-ray-emitting) binaries.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

CONDITIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL HELIUM DETONATIONS IN ASTROPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS

Several models for Type Ia-like supernova events rely on the production of a self-sustained detonation powered by nuclear reactions. In the absence of hydrogen, the fuel that powers these detonations typically consists of either pure helium (He) or a mixture of carbon and oxygen (C/O). Studies that systematically determine the conditions required to initiate detonations in C/O material exist, but until now no analogous investigation of He matter has been conducted. We perform one-dimensional reactive hydrodynamical simulations at a variety of initial density and temperature combinations and find critical length scales for the initiation of He detonations that range between 1 and 10{sup 10} cm. A simple estimate of the length scales over which the total consumption of fuel will occur for steady-state detonations is provided by the Chapman-Jouguet (CJ) formalism. Our initiation lengths are consistently smaller than the corresponding CJ length scales by a factor of {approx}100, providing opportunities for thermonuclear explosions in a wider range of low-mass white dwarfs (WDs) than previously thought possible. We find that virialized WDs with as little mass as 0.24 M{sub Sun} can be detonated, and that even less massive WDs can be detonated if a sizable fraction of their mass is raised to a higher adiabat. That the initiation length is exceeded by the CJ length implies that certain systems may not reach nuclear statistical equilibrium within the time it takes a detonation to traverse the object. In support of this hypothesis, we demonstrate that incomplete burning will occur in the majority of He WD detonations and that {sup 40}Ca, {sup 44}Ti, or {sup 48}Cr, rather than {sup 56}Ni, is the predominant burning product for many of these events. We anticipate that a measure of the quantity of the intermediate-mass elements and {sup 56}Ni produced in a helium-rich thermonuclear explosion can potentially be used to constrain the nature of the progenitor system.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

KIC 9406652: AN UNUSUAL CATACLYSMIC VARIABLE IN THE KEPLER FIELD OF VIEW

KIC 9406652 is a remarkable variable star in the Kepler field of view that shows both very rapid oscillations and long term outbursts in its light curve. We present an analysis of the light curve over quarters 1-15 and new spectroscopy that indicates that the object is a cataclysmic variable with an orbital period of 6.108 hr. However, an even stronger signal appears in the light curve periodogram for a shorter period of 5.753 hr, and we argue that this corresponds to the modulation of flux from the hot spot region in a tilted, precessing disk surrounding the white dwarf star. We present a preliminary orbital solution from radial velocity measurements of features from the accretion disk and the photosphere of the companion. We use a Doppler tomography algorithm to reconstruct the disk and companion spectra, and we also consider how these components contribute to the object's spectral energy distribution from ultraviolet to infrared wavelengths. This target offers us a remarkable opportunity to investigate disk processes during the high mass transfer stage of evolution in cataclysmic variables.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

NuSTAR and swift observations of the fast rotating magnetized white dwarf AE Aquarii

AE Aquarii is a cataclysmic variable with the fastest known rotating magnetized white dwarf (P {sub spin} = 33.08 s). Compared to many intermediate polars, AE Aquarii shows a soft X-ray spectrum with a very low luminosity (L {sub X} ∼ 10{sup 31} erg s{sup –1}). We have analyzed overlapping observations of this system with the NuSTAR and the Swift X-ray observatories in 2012 September. We find the 0.5-30 keV spectra to be well fitted by either an optically thin thermal plasma model with three temperatures of 0.75{sub −0.45}{sup +0.18}, 2.29{sub −0.82}{sup +0.96}, and 9.33{sub −2.18}{sup +6.07} keV, or an optically thin thermal plasma model with two temperatures of 1.00{sub −0.23}{sup +0.34} and 4.64{sub −0.84}{sup +1.58} keV plus a power-law component with photon index of 2.50{sub −0.23}{sup +0.17}. The pulse profile in the 3-20 keV band is broad and approximately sinusoidal, with a pulsed fraction of 16.6% ± 2.3%. We do not find any evidence for a previously reported sharp feature in the pulse profile.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗