DISCOVERY OF A NOVA-LIKE CATACLYSMIC VARIABLE IN THE KEPLER MISSION FIELD
- Department of Astronomy, University of Texas, 1 University Station C1400, Austin, TX 78712 (United States)
- INAF-Osservatorio di Capodimonte, Moiariello 16, 80131 Napoli (Italy)
- INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Torino, Strada dell'Osservatorio 20, 10025 Pino Torinese (Italy)
- INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Bologna, via Ranzani 1, 40127 Bologna (Italy)
- Departement de physique, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7 (Canada)
- Astronomy Department, Box 351580, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98115 (United States)
- Institut fuer Astronomie, Universitaet Wien, Tuerkenschanzstrasse 17, A-1180 Wien (Austria)
We announce the identification of a new cataclysmic variable (CV) star in the field of the Kepler Mission, KIC J192410.81+445934.9. This system was identified during a search for compact pulsators in the Kepler field. High-speed photometry reveals coherent large-amplitude variability with a period of 2.94 hr. Rapid, large-amplitude quasi-periodic variations are also detected on time scales of {approx}1200 s and {approx}650 s. Time-resolved spectroscopy covering one half photometric period shows shallow, broad Balmer and He I absorption lines with bright emission cores as well as strong He II and Bowen blend emission. Radial velocity variations are also observed in the Balmer and He I emission lines that are consistent with the photometric period. We therefore conclude that KIC J192410.81+445934.9 is a nova-like (NL) variable of the UX UMa class in or near the period gap, and it may belong to the rapidly growing subclass of SW Sex systems. Based on Two Micron All Sky Survey photometry and companion star models, we place a lower limit on the distance to the system of {approx}500 pc. Due to limitations of our discovery data, additional observations including spectroscopy and polarimetry are needed to confirm the nature of this object. Such data will enable further understanding of the behavior of NL variables in the critical period range of 3-4 hr, where standard CV evolutionary theory finds major problems. The presence of this system in the Kepler Mission field of view also presents a unique opportunity to obtain a continuous photometric data stream of unparalleled length and precision on a CV system.
- OSTI ID:
- 21443071
- Journal Information:
- Astronomical Journal (New York, N.Y. Online), Vol. 139, Issue 6; Other Information: DOI: 10.1088/0004-6256/139/6/2587; ISSN 1538-3881
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
A NEW SUB-PERIOD-MINIMUM CATACLYSMIC VARIABLE WITH PARTIAL HYDROGEN DEPLETION AND EVIDENCE OF SPIRAL DISK STRUCTURE
V344 LYRAE: A TOUCHSTONE SU UMa CATACLYSMIC VARIABLE IN THE KEPLER FIELD