Synchronization of the magnetic Nova V1500 Cygni

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · Astrophysical Journal; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/169939· OSTI ID:5666955

Schmidt, G D; Stockman, H S ^[1]

---

1. Steward Observatory, Tucson, AZ (USA) Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD (USA)

The study addresses a program of polarimetric monitoring of V1500 Cyg and a detection of spin-down of the magnetic primary star. Data on the spectral shape of polarized cyclotron flux is presented, and a lower limit to the field strength on the magnetic primary star is derived. The implications which the field strength and observed rate of period change have on locking scenarios are discussed, including the likelihood of identifying other AM Her systems in the process of formation. It is noted that two-color polarimetry of V1500 Cyg indicates a polar magnetic-field strength consistent with those measured in the synchronized AM Her variables; however, the symmetry and long-term repeatability of the polarized flux curves indicate that accretion occurs onto large regions of the white-dwarf surface. 61 refs.

• OSTI ID: 5666955
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (United States) Vol. 371; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BINARY STARS
DWARF STARS
ERUPTIVE VARIABLE STARS
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC FLUX
MAGNETIC STARS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
NOVAE
PHOTOMETRY
POLARIMETRY
STAR ACCRETION
STAR EVOLUTION
STARS
VARIABLE STARS
WHITE DWARF STARS