All articles tagged with #cataclysmic variables
New research suggests that some cosmic vampire stars, or white dwarfs in cataclysmic variables, may use third stars in their systems to facilitate their deadly feeding on companion stars, challenging previous models that relied solely on binary star interactions.
Researchers have discovered that up to 40% of explosive white dwarf pairs, known as cataclysmic variables, may form in triple-star systems, challenging traditional models and highlighting the significant influence of a third star on stellar evolution, based on data from the Gaia mission and computer simulations.
Astronomers using the Spektr-RG spacecraft and the Zwicky Transient Facility have discovered a new eclipsing cataclysmic variable system called SRGeJ0453. This system is an AM CVn system, which is a rare type of cataclysmic variable where a white dwarf accretes hydrogen-poor matter from a compact companion star. SRGeJ0453 has an orbital period of 55.08 minutes and is located about 780 light years away from Earth. The system exhibits deep eclipses in its optical light curves and shows a high X-ray to optical flux ratio. Further studies are needed to confirm its possible magnetic nature.
An international team of astronomers has discovered eight new cataclysmic variables (CV) systems using the latest phase of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). CVs are binary star systems consisting of a white dwarf primary that is accreting matter from a normal star companion. SDSS-V contains a program to deliberately target white dwarfs and cataclysmic variable systems, which led to the discovery of these new CVs. Out of the eight newly discovered cataclysmic variables, four turned out to be WZ Sagittae (WZ Sge) systems—non-magnetic CVs showcasing low accretion rate and rare superoutbursts.