The spectra arising from the disks of nova-like variables show many of the features seen in stellar atmospheres. They are typically modelled either from an appropriated weighted set of stellar atmospheres or a disk atmosphere with energy is dissipated near the disk plane, with the effective temperature distribution expected from a steady state accretion disk. However these models generally over-predict the depth of the Balmer jump and the slope of the spectrum in the ultraviolet. The problem is likely due to energy dissipation in the disk atmosphere, which produces a flatter vertical temperature profile than is observed in stars. Here, we provide validation for this hypothesis in the form of spectra generated using the stellar atmosphere code TLUSTY using a parametric prescription for energy dissipation as a function of depth and closely match the spectrum of the nova-like IX Vel over the wavelength range 1150-6000 Å.
Despite its fundamental importance, a reliable estimate of the Galactic nova rate has remained elusive. Here, the overall Galactic nova rate is estimated by extrapolating the observed rate for novae reaching $m\leq2$ to include the entire Galaxy using a two component disk plus bulge model for the distribution of stars in the Milky Way. The present analysis improves on previous work by considering important corrections for incompleteness in the observed rate of bright novae and by employing a Monte Carlo analysis to better estimate the uncertainty in the derived nova rates. Several models are c…
T Aurigae is an eclipsing old nova which exploded in 1891. At a Gaia EDR3 distance of 815-871 pc, it is a relatively nearby old nova. Through ultraviolet spectral modeling and using the new precise Gaia distance, we find that the HST/STIS spectrum of T Aurigae is consistent with an accretion disk with a mass transfer rate $\dot{M}$ of the order of $10^{-8}M_{\odot}$/yr, for a white dwarf mass of $M_{\rm wd} \approx 0.7 \pm 0.2 M_{\odot}$, an inclination of $i \sim 60^{\circ}$, and a Gaia distance of of $840_{-25}^{+31}$~pc. The sharp absorption lines of metals cannot form in the disk and are l…
A dense series of long and high time resolution light curves of the old nova V603 Aql, covering 22 nights (19 of which are consecutive), are analyzed in order to identify and characterize variations on the time scale of hours and days. The well known 3.5 hour modulation, observed many times in the past and considered to be due to a long lasting, albeit not entirely stable superhump, is recovered at a period of 0.1453 days and an amplitude of 0.062 mag. Most interesting, however, is the detection of highly significant brightness variations with an amplitude of 0.050 mag and a period of 5.85 day…
A novel method is presented which can pin down the time the accretion disk re-established itself in the RS Oph system after it experienced a nova disruption. The method is based on the re-ionisation of the ejecta by photoionisation from the radiation released in the boundary layer from accretion.
Portions of the Kepler K2 Short Cadence light curve of the dwarf nova (DN) TW Vir at quiescence are investigated using light curve modeling. The light curve was separated into 24 sections, each with a data length of $\sim\,$0.93\,d, comprising 4 sections before and 20 after a superoutburst (SO). Due to the morphological differences, the quiescent orbital modulation is classified into three types. Using a fixed disk radius and the two component stellar parameters, all 24 synthetic disk models from the sections show a consistent configuration, consisting of a disk and two hotspots: one at the ve…
Novalike cataclysmic variables have persistently high mass transfer rates and prominent steady state accretion disks. We present an analysis of infrared observations of twelve novalikes obtained from the Two Micron All Sky Survey, the Spitzer Space Telescope, and the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer All Sky Survey. The presence of an infrared excess at >3-5 microns over the expectation of a theoretical steady state accretion disk is ubiquitous in our sample. The strength of the infrared excess is not correlated with orbital period, but shows a statistically significant correlation (but shal…
FQ Circini: An Ordinary Nova with a High-mass B1 V(n)(e) Companion Whose Decretion Disk Transfers Mass to the White Dwarf via Roche-Lobe Overflow
Louisiana State University（路易斯安那州立大学）；American Association of Variable Star Observers（变星观测者协会）；Variable Stars South, Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand（南半球变星，新西兰皇家天文学会）；Centre for Astrophysics, University of Southern Queensland（南昆士兰大学天体物理中心）；Department of Astrophysics, American Museum of Natural History（美国自然历史博物馆天体物理学系）；South African Astronomical Observatory（南非天文台）；Southern African Large Telescope（南非大型望远镜）；University of Southern Queensland（南昆士兰大学）；Vatican Observatory Research Group, University of Arizona（亚利桑那大学梵蒂冈天文台研究组）
We have selected three nova-like variables at the long period extreme of nova-like orbital periods: V363 Aur, RZ Gru and AC Cnc, all with IUE archival far ultraviolet spectra. All are UX UMa type nova-like variables and all have $P_{orb} > 7$h. V363 Aur is a bona fide SW Sex star, and AC Cnc is a probable one, while RZ Gru has not proven to be a member of the SW Sex subclass. We have carried out the first synthetic spectral analysis of far ultraviolet spectra of the three systems using state-of-the-art models both of accretion disks and white dwarf photospheres. We find that the FUV spectral e…
The standard disk is often inadequate to model disk-dominated cataclysmic variables (CVs) and generates a spectrum that is bluer than the observed UV spectra [Puebla et al 2007]. X-ray observations of these systems reveal an optically thin boundary layer (BL) expected to appear as an inner hole in the disk. Consequently, we truncate the inner disk. However, instead of removing the inner disk, we impose the no-shear boundary condition at the truncation radius, thereby lowering the disk temperature and generating a spectrum that better fits the UV data. With our modified disk, we analyze the arc…
The old novae V533 Her (Nova Her 1963), DI Lac (Nova Lac 1910) and RR Pic (Nova Pic 1891) are in (or near) their quiescent stage following their nova explosions and continue to accrete at a high rate in the aftermath of their explosions. They exhibit continua that are steeply rising into the FUV as well as absorption lines and emission lines of uncertain origin. All three have FUSE spectra which offer not only higher spectral resolution but also wavelength coverage extending down to the Lyman Limit. For DI Lac, we have matched these FUSE spectra with existing archival IUE spectral coverage to …
Q Cygni (Nova Cygni 1876) is the third oldest old novae (after WY Sge and V841 Oph) with a long orbital period of 10.08 hours and spectroscopic peculiarities in the optical including the presence of variable wind outflow revealed by optical P Cygni profiles in the HeI lines and H alpha beta (Kafka et al. 2003). We have carried out a synthetic spectral analysis of a far ultraviolet IUE archival spectrum of Q Cygni using our optically thick, steady state, accretion disk models and model white dwarf photospheres. We find that the accretion light of a luminous accretion disk dominates the FUV flux…
The eclipsing novalike cataclysmic variable CRTS SSS100505 J093417-174421
Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina（圣卡塔琳娜联邦大学）；Laboratório Nacional de Astrofísica（国家天体物理学实验室）；Universidade Federal de Sergipe（塞尔希培联邦大学）；Observatório Nacional（国家天文台）；Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas da USP（圣保罗大学天文、地球物理和大气科学研究所）；Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espacias（国家空间研究 institute）；Universidade do Vale do Paraíba（帕拉伊巴河谷大学）；Universidade Estadual Paulista（圣保罗州立大学）
In our preceding paper, Liverpool Telescope data of M31 novae in eruption were used to facilitate a search for their progenitor systems within archival Hubble Space Telescope (HST) data, with the aim of detecting systems with red giant secondaries (RG-novae) or luminous accretion disks. From an input catalog of 38 spectroscopically confirmed novae with archival quiescent observations, likely progenitors were recovered for eleven systems. Here we present the results of the subsequent statistical analysis of the original survey, including possible biases associated with the survey and the M31 no…
The disk instability model attributes the outbursts of dwarf novae to a thermal-viscous instability of their accretion disk, an instability to which nova-like stars are not subject. We aim to test the fundamental prediction of the disk instability model: the separation of cataclysmic variables (CVs) into nova-likes and dwarf novae depending on orbital period and mass transfer rate from the companion. We analyse the lightcurves from a sample of ~130 CVs with a parallax distance in the Gaia DR2 catalogue to derive their average mass transfer rate. The method for converting optical magnitude to m…
Context. Classical novae are thermonuclear explosions hosted by accreting white dwarfs in stellar binary systems. Material piles up on top of the white dwarf star under mildly degenerate conditions, driving a thermonuclear runaway. The energy released by the suite of nuclear processes operating at the envelope (mostly proton-capture reactions and beta-decays) heats the material up to peak temperatures ranging from 100 to 400 MK. In these events, about 10-3 - 10-7 Msun, enriched in CNO and, sometimes, other intermediate-mass elements (e.g., Ne, Na, Mg, Al), are ejected into the interstellar med…
A multiwavelength light curve analysis of the classical nova V392 Per: Optical contribution from an irradiated accretion disk during the nova wind phase
针对 V392 Per 多波段光变曲线近同衰减的异常，研究构建综合新星爆发模型，证明光学光主要来自受白矮星辐照的吸积盘，并约束白矮星质量与距离。
The timing capabilities and sensitivity of Kepler, NASA's observatory to find Earth-sized planets within the habitable zone of stars, are well matched to the timescales and amplitudes of accretion disk variability in cataclysmic variables. This instrumental combination provides an unprecedented opportunity to test and refine stellar accretion paradigms with high-precision, uniform data, containing none of the diurnal or season gaps that limit ground-based observations. We present a 3-month, 1 minute cadence Kepler light curve of V344 Lyr, a faint, little-studied dwarf nova within the Kepler fi…
We report the discovery of forty erupting cataclysmic variable stars in the OGLE-III Galactic disk fields: seventeen objects of U Gem type, four of Z Cam type, and nineteen stars showing outbursts and superoutbursts typical for SU UMa type dwarf novae. In the case of five stars we were able to estimate their supercycle lengths. The obtained lengths are in the range 20-90 d, generally between the typical SU UMa type variables and a few objects classified as the ER UMa type variables. Since there is no significant difference between the two types but a higher mass-transfer rate resulting in more…
Dynamically driven collapse of a thermally stable accretion disk in a nova-like system
University of Science and Technology of China（中国科学技术大学）；Guizhou University（贵州大学）；National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences（中国科学院国家天文台）；University of Chinese Academy of Sciences（中国科学院大学）
研究通过TESS观测发现VY Scl型类新星MASTER OT J072703.91-631952.8的热稳定吸积盘发生动力学坍缩，提出该系统存在此前未被识别的动力学驱动循环，无法用质量转移变化范式解释。
New optical spectra obtained with the SMARTS 1.5m telescope and archival IUE far-ultraviolet spectra of the nova-like variable KQ Mon are discussed. The optical spectra reveal Balmer lines in absorption as well as He I absorption superposed on a blue continuum. The 2011 optical spectrum is similar to the KPNO 2.1m IIDS spectrum we obtained 33 years earlier, except that the Balmer and He I absorption is stronger in 2011. Far-ultraviolet IUE spectra reveal deep absorption lines due to C II, Si III, Si IV, C IV, and He II, but no P Cygni profiles indicative of wind outflow. We present the results…
Recent detection of the isotope $^7$Be (that decays into $^7$Li) in the outburst of classical novae confirms the suggestion made in the 70s that novae could make $^7$Li. We reconsidered the role of novae as producers of Li by means of a detailed model of the chemical evolution of the Milky Way. We showed that novae could be the Galactic lithium source accounting for the observed increase of Li abundances in the thin disk with stellar metallicity. The best agreement with the upper envelope of the observed Li abundances is obtained for a delay time of ~ 1 Gyr for the nova production and for an e…
CW Mon is a relatively bright and nearby SS Cyg-type dwarf nova frequently used in detailed analysis of cataclysmic variables and statistical studies. Using Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) observations, we found that the orbital period is different from what has been adopted. Using the combined data (TESS, the Zwicky Transient Facility data and VSNET campaigns), we updated the period to be 0.19346802(4) d. The previously adopted period of 0.1766 d turned out to be its 2-day alias, probably introduced by a confusion between the two maxima/minima of the ellipsoidal variations. We co…
We present new photometric and spectral observations of the newly discovered nova-like eclipsing star 2MASS J01074282+4845188. To obtain a light curve solution we used model of a nova-like star whose emission sources are a white dwarf surrounded by an accretion disk, a secondary star filling its Roche lobe, a hot spot and a hot line. 2MASS J01074282+4845188 shows the deepest permanent eclipse among the known nova-like stars. It is reproduced by covering the very bright accretion disk by the secondary component. The luminosity of the disk is much bigger than that of the rest light sources. The …
We present the results of a multi-component synthetic spectral analysis of the archival far ultraviolet spectra of several key nova-like variables including members of the SW Sex, RW Tri, UX UMa and VY Scl subclasses: KR Aur, RW Tri, V825 Her, V795 Her, BP Lyn, V425 Cas and HL Aqr. Accretion rates as well as the possible flux contribution of the accreting white dwarf are included in our analysis. Except for RW Tri which has a reliable trigonometric parallax, we computed the distances to the nova-like systems using the method of Knigge (2006). Our analysis of seven archival IUE spectra of RW Tr…
We used the light curve code XRBinary to model the quiescent K2 light curves of three low-inclination cataclysmic variables (CVs): 1RXS\,J0632+2536 (J0632+2536), RZ\,Leo, TW\,Vir and the pre-CV WD\,1144+011. Optimized light curve models were obtained using a nonlinear fitting code NMfit and visualized by Phoebe 2.0. The disk model of J0632+2536 shows that one hotspot at the edge of the disk is enough to describe its light curve, while the other two dwarf nova (DN): RZ\,Leo and TW\,Vir require two hotspots. A typical pre-CV model with a weak irradiation effect for WD\,1144+011 can explain its s…
Eclipse Properties and Superhump Evolution in the SU UMa-Type Dwarf Nova Z Cha
Yunnan Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences（中国科学院云南天文台）；University of Chinese Academy of Sciences（中国科学院大学）；Department of Astronomy, School of Physics and Astronomy, Yunnan University（云南大学物理与天文学院天文学系）
We performed optical simultaneous dual-band (SDSS $g'$- and $i'$- band) photometry and low-resolution spectroscopy for the WZ Sge-type dwarf nova EZ Lyn during its 2010 superoutburst. Dual-band photometry revealed that the $g'-i'$ color reddened with a decrease in brightness, during the main superoutburst and the following rebrightening phase, whereas the color became bluer with a further decrease in brightness during the slow, final decline phase. With a fit to our photometric results by a blackbody function, we estimated the disk radius ratio (ratio of the disk radius to the binary separatio…
In this paper we discuss the formation of peculiar narrow emission line components observed in the spectra of a few novae. We aim to identify the physical source responsible for transient narrow components that present orbital radial velocity modulations, first observed in the post-outburst recombination lines of Nova U Sco 2010. A search for candidate novae showing similar narrow components is presented. Photoionization simulations indicate that the forming region cannot be restricted to the primary Roche Lobe, but could be located around the outer Lagrangian point L3. Further analysis disfav…
We present a far ultraviolet spectroscopic analysis of the slowest known symbiotic nova AG Peg (M3/4III giant + hot white dwarf; P = 818.4 days) which underwent a nova explosion in 1850 followed by a very slow decline that did not end until 1996, marking the beginning of quiescence. The 19 years of quiescence ended in June 2015, when AG Peg exhibited a Z And-type outburst with an optical amplitude of 1.5 magnitudes. We have carried out accretion disk and WD photosphere synthetic spectral modeling of a Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) spectrum obtained on June 5.618, 2003 during th…
The eruption of the recurrent nova U Scorpii on 28 January 2010 is now the all-time best observed nova event. We report 36,776 magnitudes throughout its 67 day eruption, for an average of one measure every 2.6 minutes. This unique and unprecedented coverage is the first time that a nova has any substantial amount of fast photometry. With this, two new phenomena have been discovered: the fast flares in the early light curve seen from days 9-15 (which have no proposed explanation) and the optical dips seen out of eclipse from days 41-61 (likely caused by raised rims of the accretion disk occulti…
We obtained Hubble STIS spectra of three nova-like variables: V751 Cygni, V380 Oph, and - the only confirmed nova-like variable known to be below the period gap - BK Lyn. In all three systems, the spectra were taken during high optical brightness state, and a luminous accretion disk dominates their far ultraviolet (FUV) light. We assessed a lower limit of the distances by applying the infrared photometric method of \citet{Knigge2006}. Within the limitations imposed by the poorly known system parameters (such as the inclination, white dwarf mass, and the applicability of steady state accretion …
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…
We present our spectroscopic observations of V455 Andromedae during the 2007 superoutburst. Our observations cover this superoutburst from around the optical peak of the outburst to the post-superoutburst stage. During the early superhump phase, the emission lines of Balmer series, He I, He II, Bowen blend, and C IV / N IV blend were detected. He II 4686 line exhibited a double-peaked emission profile, where Balmer emission lines were single-peaked, which is unexpected from its high inclination. In the ordinary superhump phase, Balmer series transitioned to double-peaked emission profiles, and…
We found that the SU UMa-type dwarf nova NY Ser in the period gap [orbital period 0.097558(6) d] showed standstills twice in 2018. This is the first clear demonstration of a standstill occurring between superoutbursts of an SU UMa-type dwarf nova. There was no sign of superhumps during the standstill, and at least one superoutburst directly started from the standstill. This provides strong evidence that the 3:1 resonance was excited during standstills. This phenomenon indicates that the disk radius can grow during standstills. We also interpret that the condition close to the limit of the tida…
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 present Hubble Space Telescope ultraviolet spectroscopy of the recurrent nova T Pyxidis obtained more than 5 years after its 2011 outburst indicating that the system might not have yet reached its deep quiescent state. The ultraviolet data exhibit a 20% decline in the continuum flux from the pre-outburst deep quiescence state to the post-outburst near quiescent state. We suggest that a decline across each recurring nova eruption might help explain the proposed 2mag steady decline of the system since 1866. Using an improved version of our accretion disk model as well as International Ultravi…
BO Cet is renowned cataclysmic variable having an orbital period above the period gap (0.139835 d) and showing both features of a Z Cam/IW And star and an SU UMa star. Using the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) forced photometry and the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN) Sky Patrol data, I found that BO Cet underwent a superoutburst in 2022 October-November after a series of short, normal outbursts with increasing amplitudes. This sequence of outbursts (supercycle) is what is seen in many SU UMa stars and this observation strengthened the suggestion that the…
We present the results of a synthetic spectral analysis of the far ultraviolet archival IUE, HST and FUSE observations of the fast old nova V603 Aql, obtained some 90 years after its 1918 nova outburst. Our analysis utilizes the new Hubble FGS parallax distance for this nearly face-on old nova, a high white dwarf mass and a low reddening. Our analysis includes non-truncated optically thick accretion disks since V603 Aql is neither a polar nor an intermediate polar. Our synthetic spectral modeling of the FUSE and HST spectra analyzed separately indicate a mass transfer rate of 1.5-2.2xe-9 solar…
Recently, brightness variations occurring on twice the accretion disk precession period in the old nova and permanent superhump system V603 Aql have been observed by Bruch & Cook (2018). In an attempt to detect a similar effect in other cataclysmic variables reported to contain permanent superhumps the novalike variable UU Aqr was observed during 11 nights in September 2018. While no traces of superhumps were seen in the data, rendering the quest for variations related to the disk precession period obsolete, the system exhibits regular variations with a period of ~4 days.
The UV spectra of nova-like variables are dominated by emission from the accretion disk, modified by scattering in a wind emanating from the disk. Here we model the spectra of RW Tri and UX UMa, the only two eclipsing nova-likes which have been observed with the Hubble Space Telescope in the far-ultraviolet, in an attempt to constrain the geometry and the ionization structure of their winds. Using our Monte Carlo radiative transfer code we computed spectra for simply-parameterized axisymmetric biconical outflow models and were able to find plausible models for both systems. These reproduce the…
We present a detailed study of the 2019 outburst of the cataclysmic variable V1047~Cen, which hosted a classical nova eruption in 2005. The peculiar outburst occurred 14 years after the classical nova event and lasted for more than 400 days, reaching an amplitude of around 6 magnitudes in the optical. Early spectral follow-up revealed what could be a dwarf nova (accretion disk instability) outburst. However, the outburst duration, high velocity ($>$2000\,km\,s$^{-1}$) features in the optical line profiles, luminous optical emission, and presence of prominent long-lasting radio emission togethe…
We present the results of our studies of the aperiodic optical flux variability for SS Cyg, an accreting binary systemwith a white dwarf. The main set of observational data presented here was obtained with the ANDOR/iXon DU-888 photometer mounted on the RTT-150 telescope, which allowed a record(for CCD photometers) time resolution up to 8 ms to be achieved. The power spectra of the source's flux variability have revealed that the aperiodic variability contains information about the inner boundary of the optically thick flow in the binary system. We show that the inner boundary of the optically…
The recurrent nova M31N 2008-12a experiences annual eruptions, contains a near-Chandrasekhar mass white dwarf, and has the largest mass accretion rate in any nova system. In this paper, we present Hubble Space Telescope (HST) WFC3/UVIS photometry of the late decline of the 2015 eruption. We couple these new data with archival HST observations of the quiescent system and Keck spectroscopy of the 2014 eruption. The late-time photometry reveals a rapid decline to a minimum luminosity state, before a possible recovery / re-brightening in the run-up to the next eruption. Comparison with accretion d…
We present the results of an analysis of data covering 1.5 years of the dwarf nova V447 Lyr. We detect eclipses of the accretion disk by the mass donating secondary star every 3.74 hrs which is the binary orbital period. V447 Lyr is therefore the first dwarf nova in the Kepler field to show eclipses. We also detect five long outbursts and six short outbursts showing V447 Lyr is a U Gem type dwarf nova. We show that the orbital phase of the mid-eclipse occurs earlier during outbursts compared to quiescence and that the width of the eclipse is greater during outburst. This suggests that the brig…
We present accretion rates for selected samples of nova-like variables having IUE archival spectra and distances uniformly determined using an infrared method by Knigge (2006). A comparison with accretion rates derived independently with a multi-parametric optimization modeling approach by Puebla et al.(2007) is carried out. The accretion rates of SW Sextantis nova-like systems are compared with the accretion rates of non-SW Sextantis systems in the Puebla et al. sample and in our sample, which was selected in the orbital period range of three to four and a half hours, with all systems having …
