We present four nights of time-resolved photometry of the cataclysmic variable star HV And. Our time series analysis has revealed a prominent period at 3.368 +/- 0.060 hours, as well as some low frequency power. We interpret this signal, from saw-tooth waves in the light curve, as evidence of superhumps in HV And.
We report on optical and infrared photometric observations of a WZ Sge-type dwarf nova, V455 And during a superoutburst in 2007. These observations were performed with the KANATA (V, J, and K_s bands) and MITSuME (g', Rc, and Ic bands) telescopes. Our 6-band simultaneous observations allowed us to investigate the temporal variation of the temperature and the size of the emitting region associated with the superoutburst and short-term modulations, such as early and ordinary superhumps. A hot (>11000 K) accretion disk suddenly disappeared when the superoutburst finished, while blackbody emission…
We conducted a multi-wavelength study to unveil the properties of the extremely long-period cataclysmic variable V479 And. We performed series of observations, including moderate to high spectral resolution optical spectrophotometry, X-ray observations with Swift, linear polarimetry and near-IR photometry. This binary system is a low-inclination ~ 17^o system with a 0.594093(4) day orbital period. The absorption line complex in the spectra indicate a G8--K0 spectral type for the donor star, which has departed from the zero-age main sequence. This implies a distance to the object of about 4 kpc…
A multisite photometric campaign for the Beta Cephei and eclipsing variable 16 Lacertae is reported. 749 h of high-quality differential photoelectric Stromgren, Johnson and Geneva time-series photometry were obtained with ten telescopes during 185 nights. After removing the pulsation contribution, an attempt was made to solve the resulting eclipse light curve by means of the computer program EBOP. Although a unique solution was not obtained, the range of solutions could be constrained by comparing computed positions of the secondary component in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram with evolutionar…
Cataclysmic variables are among the photometrically most unstable stars in the zoo of stellar objects, exhibiting light variations on all time-scales between millennia and seconds. The literature is full of reports on variable phenomena which often require independent confirmation before they can be accepted as established facts. In this contribution I investigate accounts on miscellaneous variable features observed in six cataclysmic variables, drawing for this purpose largely on archival data, most of which have not been investigated in detail in the past, and complementing these data with s…
Studying exoplanet host stars is of the utmost importance to establish the link between the presence of exoplanets around various types of stars and to understand the respective evolution of stars and exoplanets. Using the limb-darkened diameter (LDD) obtained from interferometric data, we determine the fundamental parameters of four exoplanet host stars. We are particularly interested in the F4 main-sequence star, θ Cyg, for which Kepler has recently revealed solar-like oscillations that are unexpected for this type of star. Furthermore, recent photometric and spectroscopic measurements with …
Presented are the first interferometric images of cool starspots on the chromospherically active giant $λ$ Andromedae. These images represent the first model-independent images of cool starspots on a star other than the Sun to date. The interferometric observations, taken with the Michigan Infra-Red Combiner coupled to the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy Array, span 26 days from Aug 17$^{th}$, 2008 to Sep 24$^{th}$, 2011. The photometric time series acquired at Fairborn Observatory spanning Sep 20$^{th}$, 2008 to Jan 20$^{th}$, 2011 is also presented. The angular diameter and powe…
We report time-resolved photometry of the cataclysmic variable V849 Her, and measure a period of 0.1414 \pm 0.0030 days (3.394 \pm 0.072 hours). We also present photometry taken over several weeks in 2010 and 2011, as well as light curves from 1995 to 2011 by the American Association of Variable Star Observers. The spectra, absolute magnitude derived from infrared magnitudes, and variability all suggest that V849 Her is a nova-like variable. The shallow (0.5-magnitude) low states we observe resemble the erratic low states of the VY Sculptoris stars, although they may recur quasi-periodically o…
A critical analysis of three methods of estimating distances to cataclysmic variables (CVs) is performed. These methods, by Ak et al., Beuermann, and Knigge, all use near-infrared (JHK or Ks) magnitudes and the Barnes-Evans relation. We compare all three methods to distances measured by trigonometric parallax by Thorstensen, with Hubble Space Telescope, and with the HIPPARCOS spacecraft. We find that the method of Ak et al. works best overall for all CVs, predicting distances on the average 4% less than those measured by trigonometric parallaxes. The method of Beuermann overestimates distances…
The Palomar Transient Factory proves to be a prolific source of Magnetic Cataclysmic Variables, selected by their distinctive photometric variability, and followed up spectroscopically. Here, we present six new candidate systems, together with preliminary photometric periods and spectra.
We present a time-resolved differential photometric study and time series analysis of the nova-like cataclysmic variable star LQ Peg. We discover three periodicities in the photometry, one with a period of 3.42 +/- 0.03 hours, and another with a period of 56.8 +/- 0.01 hours. We interpret these to be the apsidal superhump and precessional periods of the accretion disk, respectively, and predict that the orbital period of LQ Peg is 3.22 +/- 0.03 hours. The third periodicity, with a period of 41.3 +/- 0.01 hours, we interpret to be the nodal precessional period of the accretion disk. We also rep…
The quiescent periodic photometric modulations of two low-inclination cataclysmic variables observed in Kepler K2 Campaigns 0 and 1, KZ Gem and TW Vir, are investigated. A phase-correcting method was successfully used to detect the orbital modulations of KZ Gem and TW Vir and improve their orbital periods. The light curve morphologies of both CVs were further analyzed by defining flux ratios and creating colormaps. KZ Gem shows ellipsoidal modulations with an orbital period of 0.22242(1) day, twice the period listed in the updated RK catalogue (Edition 7.24). With this newly determined period,…
We measured the photometric flux of the cataclysmic variable TT Arietis (BD+14 341) using the MOST space telescope. Periodic oscillations of the flux reveal the orbital period as well as other features of this binary system. We applied a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) on a reduced dataset to retrieve the frequencies of TT Arietis. The analysis of the system revealed a photometric period of 3.19 hours. Though the MOST data has a high cadence of 52.8 seconds, a fine structure of the accretion disk is not obvious.
We present a detailed photometric study of the bright cataclysmic variable BG Tri using ground-based observations mainly from Rozhen Observatory, ASAS-SN, TESS, and WASP sky surveys. We report the discovery of a negative superhump with P$_{-sh}$ = 0.1515(2) days and a co-existing superorbital variation with P=3.94(53) days in data from 2019 and 2020. A positive superhump with P$_{+sh}$ = 0.1727(14) days is also discovered in data from 2006. The obtained negative superhump deficit $\varepsilon_{-}$=0.044(1) and the positive superhump excess $\varepsilon_+$=0.090(9) give us an independent photom…
We present high-speed photometric observations of 25 cataclysmic variables detected by the All Sky Automated Search for Super-Novae (ASAS-SN), the Mobile Astronomical System of the TElescope-Robot (MASTER) and the Catalina Real-Time Transient Survey (CRTS). From these observations we determine 16 new orbital periods and 1 new superhump period. Two systems (ASASSN-14ik and ASASSN-14ka) have outburst periods of approximately 1 month, with a third (ASASSN-14hv) having outbursts approximately every 2 months. Included in the sample are 11 eclipsing systems, one probable intermediate polar (ASASSN-1…
We report on the photometric analysis of the poorly studied cataclysmic variable in Ophiuchus 1RXS J174320.1-042953 (DDE 11). Results of the monitoring with the Bradford Robotic Telescope (BRT) are presented, as well as the time-resolved photometry obtained at Montecatini Astronomical Centre. The long-term behavior of J1743-0429 shows it is a magnetic cataclysmic variable (polar) with the large difference between the low and high states. The orbital period obtained from our observations is 0.0866d, or 2.08hr, close to the lower boundary of the period gap of cataclysmic variables.
Aims: We aim to derive the absolute parameters of the components of AD And, AL Cam, and V338 Her, interpret their orbital period changes and discuss their evolutionary status. Methods: New and complete multi-filter light curves of the eclipsing binaries AD And, AL Cam, and V338 Her were obtained and analysed with modern methods. Using all reliably observed times of minimum light, we examined orbital period irregularities using the least squares method. In addition, we acquired new spectroscopic observations during the secondary eclipses for AL Cam and V338 Her. Results: For AL Cam and V338 Her…
NSV 1907, formerly listed as an irregular variable in variability catalogues, was classified as an Algol-type eclipsing binary in the Catalina Surveys Periodic Variable Star Catalogue. We have identified NSV 1907 as an ultraviolet (UV) bright source using measurements from the GALEX space telescope and detected obvious out-of-eclipse variability in archival photometric data from the Catalina Sky Survey, which instigated a closer examination of the object. A spectrum and extensive multicolour photometric observations were acquired, from which we deduce that NSV 1907 is a deeply eclipsing, nova-…
We report observations of the known cataclysmic variable star (CV) V704 And, and also confirm that the optical counterpart of the ROSAT Galactic Plane Survey source RX J2338+431 is a heretofore-neglected CV. Photometric and spectroscopic observations from MDM Observatory show both systems to be novalike variables that exhibit dips of 4-5 magnitudes from their mean brightnesses, establishing them as members of the VY~Scl subclass. From high-state emission-line radial velocities, we determine orbital periods of 0.151424(3) d (3.63 hr) for V704 And and 0.130400(1) d (3.13 hr) for RX J2338+431. In…
We conducted a spectroscopic and photometric study of SDSS J075653.11+085831. X-ray observations were also attempted. We determined the orbital period of this binary system to be 3.29 hr. It is a deep eclipsing system, whose spectra shows mostly single-peaked Balmer emission lines and a rather intense He II line. There is also the presence of faint (often double-peaked) He I emission lines as well as several absorption lines, Mg I being the most prominent. All of these features point towards the affiliation of this object with the growing number of SW~Sex-type objects. We developed a phenomeno…
We present time-resolved photometry of six faint (V>17mag) cataclysmic variables (CVs); one of them is V849 Oph and the others are identified from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS J0920+0042, SDSS J1327+6528, SDSS J1227+5139, SDSS J1607.02+3623, SDSS J1457+5148). The optical CCD photometric observations of these objects were performed at the TÜBİTAK National Observatory (Turkey) between February 2006 and March 2009. We aimed to detect short time scale orbital variability arisen from hot-spot modulation, flickering structures which occur from rapid fluctuations of material transferring from r…
In course of the search for the optical identifications associated with ROSAT X-ray sources we have found a highly variable object with the very unusual long-term behavior, color indices and high X-ray-to-optical flux ratio. We report the archival photometric light curve from the Catalina Sky Survey, optical spectroscopy from RTT150 and time-resolved photometry from Astrotel-Caucasus telescope. The object appears to be the magnetic cataclysmic variable (polar) with orbital period of P=3.20 hr.
We announce the identification of a new cataclysmic variable 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 h. Rapid, large-amplitude quasi-periodic variations are also detected on time scales of ~1200 s and ~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 emiss…
A radial velocity study is presented of the cataclysmic variable V378 Pegasi (PG 2337+300). It is found to have an orbital period of 0.13858 +/- 0.00004 d (3.32592 +/- 0.00096 hours). Its spectrum and long-term light curve suggest that V378 Peg is a nova-like variable, with no outbursts. We use the approximate distance and position in the Galaxy of V378 Peg to estimate E(B-V) = 0.095, and use near-infrared magnitudes to calculate a distance of 680 +/- 90 pc and M_V = 4.68 +/- 0.70, consistent with V378 Peg being a nova-like. Time-resolved photometry taken between 2001 and 2009 reveals a period…
We have obtained simultaneous photometric and spectroscopic observations of the cataclysmic variable 1RXS J064434.5+334451. We have calibrated the spectra for slit losses using the simultaneous photometry allowing to construct reliable Doppler images from H$α$ and HeII 4686 emission lines. We have improved the ephemeris of the object based on new photometric eclipse timings, obtaining $HJD = 2453403.759533 + 0.26937446E$. Some eclipses present a clear internal structure which we attribute to a central HeII emission region surrounding the white dwarf, a finding supported by the Doppler tomograp…
Results of photometric and spectroscopic investigations of the recently discovered disc cataclysmic variable star 1RXS J180834.7+101041 are presented. Emission spectra of the system show broad double peaked hydrogen and helium emission lines. Doppler maps for the hydrogen lines demonstrate strongly non-uniform emissivity distribution in the disc, similar to that found in IP Peg. It means that the system is a new cataclysmic variable with a spiral density wave in the disc. Masses of the components (M_WD = 0.8 +/- 0.22 M_sun and M_RD = 0.14 +/- 0.02 M_sun), and the orbit inclination (i = 78 +/- …
The morphology and optical spectrum of IPHASXJ210205+471015, a nebula classified as a possible planetary nebula, are however strikingly similar to those of ATCnc, a classical nova shell around a dwarf nova. To investigate its true nature, we have obtained high-resolution narrow-band [O III] and [N II] images and deep GTC OSIRIS optical spectra. The nebula shows an arc of [N II]-bright knots notably enriched in nitrogen, whilst an [O III]-bright bow-shock is progressing throughout the ISM. Diagnostic line ratios indicate that shocks are associated with the arc and bow-shock. The central star of…
$TESS$ photometric data of LS~Cam from sectors 19, 20 and 26 are analysed. The obtained power spectra from sectors 19 and 20 show multiple periodicities - orbital variations ($P_{orb} = 0.14237$ days), slightly fluctuating superorbital variation ($ P_{so} \approx 4.03$ days) and permanent negative superhump ($P_{-sh} = 0.1375$ days). In sector 26 an additional positive superhump ($P_{+sh} = 0.155$ days) is present. Using relations from literature, the mass ratio and the masses of the two components are estimated to be $q =0.24$, $M_1 = 1.26M_\odot$, and $M_2 = 0.30 M_\odot$ respectively.
MASTER OT J190519.41+301524.4 was discovered as an optical transient of 15.7m by the Mobile Astronomical System of TElescope-Robots in March 2014. We report the results of photometric observations of this variable performed at Lajatico Astronomical Center in June-July 2015. The light curve is showing deep V-shaped eclipses with an amplitude of two magnitudes. The orbital period was determined to be 0.129694 d (3.113 h). Based on the archival observations and the shape of the orbital curve we suggest that MASTER OT J190519.41+301524.4 is a new cataclysmic variable of VY Scl type ("anti-nova") w…
We report follow-up observations of five cataclysmic variable candidates from LAMOST published by Hou et al. (2020). LAMOST J024048.51+195226.9 is the most unusual of the five; an early-M type secondary star contributes strongly to its spectrum, and its spectral and photometric behavior are strikingly reminiscent of the hitherto-unique propeller system AE Aqr. We confirm that a 7.34-hr period discovered in the Catalina survey data (Drake et al. 2014) is orbital. Another object, LAMOST J204305.95+341340.6 appears to be a near twin of the novalike variable V795 Her, with an orbital period in the…
The population of cataclysmic variables with orbital periods right above the period gap are dominated by systems with extremely high mass transfer rates, the so-called SW Sextantis stars. On the other hand, some old novae in this period range which are expected to show high mass transfer rate instead show photometric and/or spectroscopic resemblance to low mass transfer systems like dwarf novae. We discuss them as candidates for so-called hibernating systems, CVs that changed their mass transfer behaviour due to a previously experienced nova outburst. This paper is designed to provide input fo…
We investigated whether the predictions and results of Stanishev et al (2002) concerning a possible relationship between eclipse depths in PX And and its retrograde disc precession phase, could be confirmed in long term observations made by SuperWASP. In addition, two further CVs (DQ Her and V795 Her) in the same SuperWASP data set were investigated to see whether evidence of superhump periods and disc precession periods were present and what other, if any, long term periods could be detected. The results of our period and eclipse analysis on PX And confirm that the negative superhump period i…
The optical photometric and spectroscopic periodicities of the cataclysmic variable SRGt 062340.2-265751
Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam (AIP)(波茨坦阿基米德天体物理研究所);University of Potsdam(波茨坦大学);South African Astronomical Observatory(南非天文台);University of Cape Town(开普敦大学);University of the Free State(自由州大学);Durham University(杜伦大学);Radboud University(拉德堡德大学);Dartmouth College(达特茅斯学院)
We present the results of our photometric and spectroscopic studies of the new eclipsing cataclysmic variable star 1RXS J180834.7+101041. Its spectrum exhibits double-peaked hydrogen and helium emission lines. The Doppler maps constructed from hydrogen lines show a nonuniform distribution of emission in the disk similar to that observed in IP Peg. This suggests that the object can be a cataclysmic variable with tidal density waves in the disk. We have determined the component masses (M_WD =0.8 \pm 0.22 M_sun and M_RD =0.14 \pm 0.02 M_sun) and the binary inclination (i =78 \pm 1.5 deg) based on…
We present the analysis results of an eclipsing cataclysmic variable (CV) V729 Sgr, based on our observations and AAVSO data. Some outburst parameters were determined such as outburst amplitude ($A_{n}$) and recurrence time ($T_{n}$), and then the relationship between $A_{n}$ and $T_{n}$ is discussed. A cursory examination for the long-term light curves reveals that there are small-amplitude outbursts and dips present, which is similar to the behaviors seen in some nova-like CVs (NLs). More detailed inspection suggests that the outbursts in V729 Sgr may be Type A (outside-in) with a rise time …
We present photometric and spectroscopic observations of the cataclysmic variable MASTER OT J132104.04+560957.8 which strongly indicate that it is a polar with an orbital period of 91 minutes. The optical light curve shows two maxima and two minima per orbital cycle, with considerable variation in the strength of the secondary maximum and in the morphology and depth of the minima.
We present optical photometric and spectroscopic observations of two Cataclysmic Variables (CVs), namely RBS 0490 and SDSS J075939.79+191417.3. The optical variations of RBS 0490 have been found to occur at the period of 1.689$\pm$0.001 hr which appears to be a probable orbital period of the system. Present photometric observations of SDSS J075939.79+191417.3 confirm and refine the previously determined orbital period as 3.14240928$\pm$0.00000096 hr. The presence of long-duration eclipse features in the light curves of SDSS J075939.79+191417.3 indicates eclipses might be due to an accretion di…
I performed photometric observations of the poorly studied cataclysmic variable IPHAS J013031.89+622132.3 and discovered very deep eclipses. I obtained observations over 14 nights for a total time of 50 hours during a time span of 6 months. Thanks to the long observation interval, I determined the orbital period with high precision, Porb=0.14935014+/-0.00000020 d. I derived the eclipse ephemeris, which, thanks to the precision of the orbital period, has a formal validity of 300 years. The average eclipse depth was 1.88+/-0.07 mag. The prominent parts of the eclipses were smooth and symmetrical…
Results of photometric and spectroscopic investigations of the recently discovered eclipsing cataclysmic variable star HBHA 4705-03 are presented. The emission spectra of the system show broad hydrogen and helium emission lines. The bright spots with an approximately zero velocity components are found in the Doppler maps for the hydrogen and ionized helium lines. The disc structure is more prominent in the maps for the neutral helium lines. The masses of the components (M_WD = 0.54 \pm 0.10 M_sun and M_RD = 0.45 \pm 0.05 M_sun), and the orbit inclination (i = 71.8 \pm 0.^7 deg) were estimated …
We have observed 8 faint cataclysmic variable stars photometrically. The nova-like Car2 was extensively sampled but showed little variability. V1040 Cen was observed near the end of a dwarf nova outburst and possessed dwarf nova and quasi-periodic oscillations. Ha 075648 has strong large amplitude flickering and a possible orbital modulation at 3.49 h. The correct identification for the nova remnant IL Nor (Nova Nor 1893) has been established. HS Pup (Nova Pup 1963) has a possible orbital period of 3.244 h. SDSS J2048-06 is a low mass transfer dwarf nova that in quiescence shows slow variation…
Cataclysmic variables (CVs) exhibit a plethora of variable phenomena many of which require long, uninterrupted light curves to reveal themselves in detail. The month long datasets provided by TESS are well suited for this purpose. TESS has the additional advantage to have observed a huge number of stars, among them many CVs. Here, a search for periodic variations in a sample of CVs of the novalike and old novae subtypes is presented. In 10 of the 15 targets either previously unseen positive or negative superhumps or unusual features in known superhumps are identified. The TESS light curves dem…
As part of a project to better characterize comparatively bright but so far little studied cataclysmic variables in the southern hemisphere, we have obtained spectroscopic and photometric data of the nova-like variables LS IV -08$^{\rm o}$ 3 and HQ Mon, and of the Z Cam type dwarf nova ST Cha. The spectra of all systems are as expected for their respective types. We derive improved orbital ephemeris of LS IV -08$^{\rm o}$ 3 and map its accretion disk in the light of the H$α$ emission using Doppler tomography. We find that the emission has a two component origin, arising in the outer parts of t…
We present photometric and polarimetric observations of a new magnetic cataclysmic variable, presumably a polar, USNO-A2.0 0825-18396733. The photometric observations were carried out with the SAO RAS Zeiss-1000 telescope, and the polarimetry was performed with the 6-m BTA telescope. The redefined orbital period P = 0:d08481(2); the brightness of the system varied from 17:5 to 20:0 in the Rc filter. Polarimetric observations of the object in the V filter revealed strong variable circular polarization: -2% to over -31%. This indicates that the variable USNO-A2.0 0825-18396733 is a polar.
We present preliminary results of long-term monitoring of the peculiar cataclysmic variable FS Aurigae conducted during the 2010-2011 observational season. The multicolor observations revealed, for the first time in photometric data, the precession period of the white dwarf, previously seen only spectroscopically. This is best seen in the (B-I) color index and reflects the spectral energy distribution variability. Analysis of X-ray observations made with Chandra and Swift, also revealed the existence of both the orbital and precession periods in the light curve. We also show that the long-term…
I performed photometric observations of the cataclysmic variable candidate ZTF17aaaeefu and discovered very deep eclipses. The observations were obtained over 8 nights covering 7 months. The eclipse profile is similar to the eclipse profiles observed in other cataclysmic variables. During the observations, ZTF17aaaeefu showed brightness changes resembling dwarf nova outbursts and quiescent states. When ZTF17aaaeefu was bright (16.0-16.2 mag), the average eclipse depth was 2.50+/-0.18 mag. When ZTF17aaaeefu was faint (17.2-17.4 mag), the average eclipse depth was 1.45+/-0.06 mag. However, these…
This paper completes the series of cataclysmic variables (CVs) identified from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey I/II. The coordinates, magnitudes and spectra of 33 CVs are presented. Among the 33 are eight systems known previous to SDSS (CT Ser, DO Leo, HK Leo, IR Com, V849 Her, V405 Peg, PG1230+226 and HS0943+1404), as well as nine objects recently found through various photometric surveys. Among the systems identified since the SDSS are two polar candidates, two intermediate polar candidates and one candidate for containing a pulsating white dwarf. Our followup data have confirmed a polar candid…
Photometric masses for long period CVs: the case study of CSS131106
University of Ferrara(费拉拉大学);University of Sheffield(谢菲尔德大学);Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias(加那利群岛天体物理研究所);University of Hamburg(汉堡大学);Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Oklahoma(俄克拉荷马大学霍默·L·多德物理与天文系);JILA, University of Colorado and National Institute of Standards and Technology(科罗拉多大学与美国国家标准与技术研究院联合JILA实验室)
Binary evolution theory predicts that accreting white dwarfs with sub-stellar companions dominate the Galactic population of cataclysmic variables (CVs). In order to test these predictions, it is necessary to identify these systems, which may be difficult if the signatures of accretion become too weak to be detected. The only chance to identify such "dead" CVs is by exploiting their close binary nature. We have therefore searched the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Stripe 82 area for apparently isolated white dwarfs that undergo eclipses by a dark companion. We found no such eclipses in either…
We present observations and analysis of a new eclipsing binary HBHA 4705-03. Using decomposition of the light curve into accretion disk and hot spot components, we estimated photometrically the mass ratio of the studied system to be q=0.62 +-0.07. Other fundamental parameters was found with modeling. This approach gave: white dwarf mass M_1 = (0.8 +- 0.2) M_sun, secondary mass M_2=(0.497 +- 0.05) M_sun, orbital radius a=1.418 R_sun, orbital inclination i = (81.58 +- 0.5) deg, accretion disk radius r_d/a = 0.366 +- 0.002, and accretion rate dot{M} = (2.5 +- 2) * 10^{18}[g/s], (3*10^{-8} [M_sun/…
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. We have spectroscopically and photometrically identified an orbital period of 26.77 \pm 0.02 minutes for PTF1 J071912.13+48583…
We present new photometry and spectroscopy of the 94m eclipsing binary LSQ1725-64 that provide insight into the fundamental parameters and evolutionary state of this system. We confirm that LSQ1725-64 is a magnetic cataclysmic variable whose white dwarf has a surface-averaged magnetic field strength of $12.5 \pm 0.5$ MG measured from Zeeman splitting. The spectral type and colour of the secondary, as well as the eclipse length, are consistent with other secondaries that have not yet evolved through the period minimum expected for cataclysmic variables. We observe two different states of mass t…
Using photometric ULTRACAM observations of three new short period cataclysmic variables, we model the primary eclipse lightcurves to extract the orbital separation, masses, and radii of their component stars. We find donor masses of 0.060 +/- 0.008 solar masses, 0.042 +/- 0.001 solar masses, and 0.042 +/- 0.004 solar masses, two being very low-mass sub-stellar donors, and one within 2 sigma of the hydrogen burning limit. All three of the new systems lie close to the modified, "optimal" model evolutionary sequence of Knigge et al. (2011). We briefly re-evaluate the long-standing discrepancy bet…