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Photometry of AM Herculis: a slow optical pulsar

Journal Article · · Astrophys. J.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/155820· OSTI ID:6774886
Multicolor photometry of the x-ray binary AM Her suggests that the red component of the optical flux is closely related to the source of optical circular polarization in the system. From the periodic modulation of flux in the U through R bands, which is particularly well defined when plotted as color curves, it is concluded that the primary and secondary minima are neither eclipses by a secondary star nor eclipses by a hot spot. The primary minimum in the visual light curve is suggested to be the eclipse of a region of intense optical emission in the magnetic field near the surface of a degenerate dwarf by that dwarf itself. 6 figures.
Research Organization:
California Inst. of Tech., Pasadena
OSTI ID:
6774886
Journal Information:
Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 219:2; ISSN ASJOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English