KPD 0422 + 5421: a new short-period subdwarf B/white dwarf binary

The subdwarf B (sdB) star KPD 0422 + 5421 was discovered to be a single-lined spectroscopic binary with a period of P  = 0.090 1795 ± (3 × 10⁻⁷) d (2 h 10 min). The U B light curves display an ellipsoidal modulation with amplitudes of ≈ 0.02 mag. The sdB star contributes nearly all of the observed flux. This and the absence of any reflection effect suggest that the unseen companion star is small (i.e. R _comp ≈ 0.01 R_⊙) and therefore degenerate. We modelled the U B light curves and derived i  = 78.05° ± 0.50° and a mass ratio of q  =  M _comp/ M _sdB = 0.87 ± 0.15. The sdB star fills 69 per cent of its Roche lobe. These quantities may be combined with the mass function of the companion [ f ( M ) = 0.126 ± 0.028 M_⊙] to derive M _sdB = 0.72 ± 0.26 M_⊙ and M _comp = 0.62 ±  0.18 M_⊙. We used model spectra to derive the effective temperature, surface gravity and helium abundance of the sdB star. We found T _eff = 25 000 ± 1500 K, log g  = 5.4 ± 0.1 and [He/H] = −1.0. With a period of 2 h 10 min, KPD 0422 + 5421 has one of the shortest known orbital periods of a detached binary. This system is also one of only a few known binaries that contain a subdwarf B star and a white dwarf. Thus KPD 0422 + 5421 represents a relatively unobserved, and short-lived, stage of binary star evolution.     

Superhumps in V348 Pup

The eclipsing nova-like cataclysmic variable star V348 Pup exhibits a persistent luminosity modulation with a period 6 per cent longer than its 2.44-h orbital period ( P _orb). This has been interpreted as a 'positive superhump' resulting from a slowly precessing non-axisymmetric accretion disc gravitationally interacting with the secondary. We find a clear modulation of mid-eclipse times on the superhump period, which agrees well with the predictions of a simple precessing eccentric disc model. Our modelling shows that the disc light centre is on the far side of the disc from the donor star when the superhump reaches maximum light. This phasing suggests a link between superhumps in V348 Pup and late superhumps in SU UMa systems. Modelling of the full light curve and maximum entropy eclipse mapping both show that the disc emission is concentrated closer to the white dwarf at superhump maximum than at superhump minimum. We detect additional signals consistent with the beat periods between the implied disc precession period and both and     

Radial velocities of pulsating subdwarf B stars: KPD 2109+4401 and PB 8783

High-speed spectroscopy of two pulsating subdwarf B stars, KPD 2109+4401 and PB 8783, is presented. Radial motions are detected with the same frequencies as reported from photometric observations and with amplitudes of ∼2 km s⁻¹ in two or more independent modes. These represent the first direct observations of surface motion arising from multimode non-radial oscillations in subdwarf B stars. In the case of the sdB+F binary PB 8783, the velocities of both components are resolved; high-frequency oscillations are found only in the sdB star and not the F star. There also appears to be evidence for mutual motion of the binary components. If confirmed, it implies that the F-type companion is ≳1.2 times more massive than the sdB star, while the amplitude of the F-star acceleration over 4 h would constrain the orbital period to lie between 0.5 and 3.2 d.     

Photometry of four binary subdwarf B stars and the nature of their unseen companion stars

We present light curves of four binary subdwarf B stars (sdB), Ton 245, Feige 11, PG 1432+159 and PG 1017−086. We also present new spectroscopic data for PG 1017−086 from which we derive its orbital period,   P =0.073 d  , and the mass function,   f _m=0.0010±0.0002 M_⊙.  This is the shortest period for an sdB binary measured to date. The values of P and f _m for the other sdB binaries have been published elsewhere. We are able to exclude the possibility that the unseen companion stars to Ton 245, Feige 11 and PG 1432+159 are main-sequence stars or subgiant stars from the absence of a sinusoidal signal, which would be caused by the irradiation of such a companion star, i.e. they show no reflection effect. The unseen companion stars in these binaries are likely to be white dwarf stars. In contrast, the reflection effect in PG 1017−086 is clearly seen. The lack of eclipses in this binary combined with other data suggests that the companion is a low-mass M-dwarf or, perhaps, a brown dwarf.     

Aquila X-1: a low-inclination soft X-ray transient

We have obtained I -band photometry of the neutron star X-ray transient Aql X-1 during quiescence. We find a periodicity at 2.487 cycles d⁻¹, which we interpret as twice the orbital frequency (19.30±0.05 h). Folding the data on the orbital period, we model the light-curve variations as the ellipsoidal modulation of the secondary star. We determine the binary inclination to be 20°–30° (90 per cent confidence) and also determine the 95 per cent upper limits to the radial velocity semi-amplitude and rotational broadening of the secondary star to be 117 and 50 km s⁻¹, respectively.     

A TiO study of the black hole binary GRO J0422+32 in a very low state

We present 53 simultaneous photometric ( I band) and spectroscopic (69009500 Å) observations of GRO J0422+32, taken during 1997 December. From these we determine that J0422+32 was in its lowest state yet observed, at I =20.44±0.08. Using relative spectrophotometry, we show that it is possible to correct very accurately for telluric absorption. Following this, we use the TiO bands at 7055 and 7589 Å for a radial velocity study and thereby obtain a semi-amplitude of 378±16 km s¹, which yields f ( M )=1.191±0.021 M and consistent with previous observations. We further demonstrate that this little-explored method is very powerful for such systems. We also determine a new orbital ephemeris of HJD=245 0274.4156±0.0009+0.212 1600±0.000 0002 E .
We see some evidence for an ellipsoidal modulation, from which we determine the orbital inclination of J0422+32 to be less than 45°. We therefore calculate a minimum mass for the primary of 2.22 M, consistent with a black hole, but not necessarily the supermassive one proposed recently (1997) by Beekman et al. We obtain an M45 spectral type for the secondary star, and determine that the secondary contributes 38±2 per cent of the flux that we observe from J0422+32 over the range 69508400 Å. From this we calculate the distance to the system to be 1.39±0.15 kpc.     

The EC 14026 stars – VI. PG 1047+003

We report the discovery of rapid oscillations in the sdB star PG 1047+003. The oscillations are multiperiodic, with nine periods in the range 104–162 s. The optical spectrum of PG 1047+003 is consistent with that of a single sdB star. Line profile fitting yields an effective temperature of 35 000±1000 K and log g =5.9±0.1, although optical photometry and IUE spectrophotometry may indicate a cooler effective temperature. These properties demonstrate that PG 1047+003 is an EC 14026 star, a recently discovered class of sdB pulsators. Optical and infrared photometry constrains any cool companion to the sdB star to be a main-sequence star of spectral type M0 or later. With V =13.47 and a relatively rich pulsation spectrum, PG 1047+003 is an attractive target for an intensive photometric campaign to extract more periods from the light curve which, along with a suitable grid of pulsation models, will probe the interior structure of the star.     

Discovery of a New Multiperiodic δ Scuti Variable Star

We report on the discovery of a new short-periodic pulsating variable star in the field of the pulsating sdB star KPD 2109+4401. The star was observed on 10 consecutive nights. Based on the light curves, we detect three pulsation frequencies at 10.308, 4.023 and 11.075 cycle d⁻¹ with amplitudes of 11.1, 4.3 and 4.2 milli-magnitudes, respectively. Using the existing data from other sky surveys, we estimate a spectral type of late F and other atmospheric parameters. Then we discuss the observational properties of the star. Finally it is classified to be a new low-amplitude multiperiodic δ Scuti star. A future interest addressed is to accurately determine the star's spectral type and then to judge a possible link to γ Doradus-type pulsation.     

ROSAT observations of V471 Tauri, showing that stellar activity is determined by rotation, not age

I present pointed ROSAT PSPC observations of the pre-cataclysmic binary V471 Tauri. The hard X-ray emission (>0.4 keV) is not eclipsed by the K star, demonstrating conclusively that this component cannot be emitted by the white dwarf. Instead I show that its spectrum and luminosity are consistent with coronal emission from the tidally spun-up K star. The star is more active than other K stars in the Hyades, but equally active as K stars in the Pleiades with the same rotation periods, demonstrating that rotation — and not age — is the key parameter in determining the level of stellar activity.   The soft X-ray emission (<0.4 keV) is emitted predominately by the white dwarf and is modulated on its spin period. I find that the pulse profile is stable on time-scales of hours and years, supporting the idea that it is caused by the opacity of accreted material. The profile itself shows that the magnetic field configuration of the white dwarf is dipolar and that the magnetic axis passes through the centre of the star.   There is an absorption feature in the light curve of the white dwarf, which occurs at a time when our line of sight passes within a stellar radius of the K star. The column density and duration of this feature imply a volume and mass for the absorber that are similar to those of coronal mass ejections of the Sun.   Finally I suggest that the spin–orbit beat period detected in the optical by Clemens et al. may be the result of the interaction of the K-star wind with the magnetic field of the white dwarf.     

The EC 14026 stars — XI. Feige 48: a link in its class

Rapid oscillations in the sdB star Feige 48 have been discovered. The frequency spectrum reveals at least four periods in a narrow interval from 340 to 380 s. The oscillation amplitude is typically a few per cent, but this star shows perhaps the most dramatic amplitude variability from night to night of any of the known sdB pulsators (EC 14026 stars). Analysis of multicolour absolute photometry, as well as low- and intermediate-dispersion spectroscopy, yields an effective temperature of 28 900 ± 300 K and log g  = 5.45 ± 0.05. Feige 48 is thus the coolest EC 14026 star. Its intermediate gravity and intermediate period suggest the existence of a period–gravity correlation, and unite the majority of the EC 14026 stars with the extreme object, PG 1605+072. The narrow frequency intervals in which the pulsations of Feige 48 and other EC 14026 stars fall suggest a narrow bandpass for the excitation mechanism.     

Detection of superhumps in XTE J1118+480 approaching quiescence

We present the results of our monitoring of the halo black hole soft X-ray transient (SXT) XTE J1118+480 during its decline to quiescence. The system has decayed 0.5 mag from 2000 December to its present near-quiescent level at   R ≃18.65  (2001 June). The ellipsoidal light curve is distorted by an additional modulation that we interpret as a superhump of   P _sh=0.17049(1) d  i.e. 0.3 per cent longer than the orbital period. This implies a disc precession period   P _prec∼52 d  . After correcting the average phase-folded light curve for veiling, the amplitude difference between the minima suggests that the binary inclination angle lies in the range   i =71–82°  . However, we urge caution in the interpretation of these values because of residual systematic contamination of the ellipsoidal light curve by the complex form of the superhump modulation. The orbital-mean H α profiles exhibit clear velocity variations with ∼500 km s⁻¹ amplitude. We interpret this as the first spectroscopic evidence of an eccentric precessing disc.     

Cyclical period changes in the dwarf novae V2051 Oph and V4140 Sgr

We report on the identification of cyclical changes in the orbital period of the eclipsing dwarf novae V2051 Ophiuchi and V4140 Sagittarii. We used sets of white dwarf mid-eclipse timings to construct observed-minus-calculated diagrams covering, respectively, 25 and 16 yr of observations. The V2051 Oph data present cyclical variations that can be fitted by a linear plus sinusoidal function with period of  22 ± 2 yr  and amplitude of  17 ± 3 s  . The statistical significance of this period by an F-test is larger than 99.9 per cent. The V4140 Sgr data present cyclical variations of similar amplitude and period of  6.9 ± 0.3 yr  which are statistically significant at the 99.7 per cent level. We derive upper limits for secular period changes of     and     for V2051 Oph and V4140 Sgr, respectively.
We have combined our results with those in the literature to construct a diagram of the amplitude versus period of the modulation for a sample of 11 eclipsing cataclysmic variables (CVs). If the cyclical period changes are the consequence of a solar-type magnetic activity cycle in the secondary star, then magnetic activity is a widespread phenomenon in CVs, being equally common among long- and short-period systems. This gives independent evidence that the magnetic field (and activity) of the secondary stars of CVs do not disappear when they become fully convective. We also find that the fractional cycle period changes of the short-period CVs are systematically smaller than those of the long-period CVs.     

High surface brightness dwarf galaxies in the Fornax cluster

We report the discovery, in an Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer ( EUVE ) short-wavelength spectrum, of an unresolved hot white dwarf companion to the 5th magnitude B5Vp star HR 2875. This is the first time that a non-interacting white dwarf+B star binary has been discovered: previously, the earliest type of star known with a white dwarf companion was Sirius (A1V). As the white dwarf must have evolved from a main-sequence progenitor with a mass greater than that of a B5V star (≯6.0 M⊙), this places a lower limit on the maximum mass for white dwarf progenitors, with important implications for our knowledge of the initial–final mass relation. Assuming a pure-hydrogen atmospheric composition, we constrain the temperature of the white dwarf to be between 39 000 and 49 000 K. We also argue that this degenerate star is likely to have a mass significantly greater than the mean mass for white dwarf stars (≈0.55 M⊙). Finally, we suggest that other bright B stars (e.g. θ Hya) detected in the extreme ultraviolet surveys of the ROSAT Wide Field Camera and EUVE may also be hiding hot white dwarf companions.     

The EC 14026 stars – VIII. PG 1336−018: a pulsating sdB star in an HW Vir-type eclipsing binary

The sdB star PG 1336−018 is found to be a very short-period eclipsing binary system, remarkably similar to the previously unique system HW Vir. In addition, and unlike HW Vir, the sdB star in the PG 1336 system shows rapid oscillations of the type found in the recently discovered sdB pulsators, or EC 14026 stars. The orbital period, 0.101 0174 d, is one of the shortest known for a detached binary. Analysis of photoelectric and CCD photometry reveals pulsation periods near 184 and 141 s, with semi-amplitudes of ∼0.01 and ∼0.005 mag respectively. Both oscillations might have variable amplitude, and it is probable that other frequencies are present with amplitudes ∼0.003 mag or less. The 184- and 141-s pulsations are in the range of periods predicted by models for hot horizontal-branch stars. Analysis of medium-dispersion spectrograms yields T _eff=33 000±1000 K and log g =5.7±0.1 for the sdB primary star, a radial velocity semi-amplitude K ₁=78±3 km s⁻¹ and a system velocity γ=6±2 km s⁻¹. Spectrograms from the IUE Final Archive give T _eff=33 000±3000 K and E ( B − V )=0.05 for log g =6.0 models. The derived angular radius leads to a distance of 710±50 pc for the system, and an absolute magnitude for the sdB star of +4.1±0.2. A preliminary analysis of U , V and R light curves indicates the orbital inclination to be near 81° and the relative radii to be r ₁=0.19 and r ₂=0.205. Assuming the mass of the sdB primary to be 0.5 M⊙ leads to a mass ratio q =0.3 for the system, and indicates that the secondary is a late-type dwarf of type ∼M5. As with HW Vir, it is necessary to invoke small limb-darkening coefficients and high albedos for the secondary star to obtain reasonable fits to the observed light curves.     

HD 9770, a southern active-chromosphere system

The visual triple system HD 9770 (BB Scl) has been the subject of a four-year programme of UVB ( RI )_C photometry and H α échelle spectroscopy. Analysis of the data obtained over that period shows that star B, and probably also star A, of HD 9770 is a binary. The A system comprises a K1V star, which may be in a binary system with another K dwarf. The B system is an eclipsing binary of the BY Dra type in which both stars are chromospherically active. An orbital period of 0.476 525±0.000 013 d has been derived from the light curve in V . Physical parameters derived from analysis of the light curves in UBV ( RI )_C are presented.     

HST and ground-based eclipse observations of V2051 Ophiuchi: binary parameters

We report on high-speed eclipse photometry of the dwarf nova V2051 Oph while it was in a low brightness state, at B  ≃ 16.2 mag. In comparison with the average IUE spectra, the ultraviolet continuum and emission lines appear reduced by factors of, respectively, ≃ 4 and ≃ 5. Flickering activity is mostly suppressed and the light curve shows the eclipse of a compact white dwarf at the disc centre which contributes ≃ 60 per cent of the total light at 3900–4300 Å. We use measurements of contact phases in the eclipse light curve to derive the binary geometry and to estimate masses and relevant dimensions. We find a mass ratio of q  = 0.19 ± 0.03 and an inclination of i  = 83 ± 2°. The masses of the component stars are M ₁ = 0.78 ± 0.06 M⊙ and M ₂ = 0.15 ± 0.03 M⊙. Our photometric model predicts K ₁ = 83 ± 12 km s⁻¹ and K ₂ = 436 ± 11 km s⁻¹. The predicted value of K₁ is in accordance with the velocity amplitude obtained from the emission lines after a correction for asymmetric line emission in the disc is made. The secondary of V2051 Oph is significantly more massive than the secondaries of the other ultrashort period dwarf novae. V2051 Oph is probably a relatively young system, with a secondary star that has not had enough time to evolve out of thermal equilibrium.     

A TiO study of the dwarf nova IP Pegasi

We present red spectra in the region ∼ λ 7000–8300 Å of the eclipsing dwarf nova IP Peg, with simultaneous narrow-band photometry centred at 7322 Å. We show that by placing a second star on the slit we can correct for the telluric absorption bands which have hitherto made the TiO features from the secondary star unusable. We use these TiO features to carry out a radial velocity study of the secondary star, and find this gives an improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio of a factor of 2 compared with using the Na  i doublet. In contrast with previous results, we find no apparent ellipticity in the radial velocity curve. As a result we revise the semi-amplitude to K ₂=331.3±5.8 km s⁻¹, and thus the primary and secondary star masses to 1.05^-0.07_+0.14 M⊙ and 0.33^-0.05_+0.14 M⊙ respectively. Although this is the lowest mass yet derived for the secondary star, it is still overmassive for its observed spectral type. However, the revised mass and radius bring IP Peg into line with other cataclysmic variables in the mass–radius–period relationships.
By fitting the phase-resolved spectra around the TiO bands to a mean spectrum, we attempt to isolate the light curve of the secondary star. The resulting light curve has marked deviations from the expected ellipsoidal shape. The largest difference is at phase 0.5, and can be explained as an eclipse of the secondary star by the disc, indicating that the disc is optically thick when viewed at high inclination angles.     

Optical, X-ray and radio observations of HD 61396: a probable new RS CVn-type binary

We have carried out BVR photometric and H spectroscopic observations of the star HD 61396 during 1998 March 20 to 1999 April 3. We have discovered regular optical photometric variability from this star, with an inferred period of 31.95±0.10 d, and an amplitude of 0.18 mag. A possible period of 35.34±0.12 d, as determined with Hipparcos , cannot be completely ruled out, however. Modelling of its photometric light curve with two circular spots indicates that 521 per cent of the stellar surface is covered by dark starspots which are 830 K cooler than the surrounding photosphere, and produce the observed rotational modulation of the optical flux. Optical spectroscopy reveals a variable H emission feature, indicating that it is an unusually active star.
In addition, we have analysed archival X-ray data of HD 61396, obtained from serendipitous observations with the ROSAT X-ray observatory, and we also discuss the radio properties of this star, based on both published Green Bank and unpublished VLA observations. The strong photometric variability and H emission, the relatively hard X-ray spectrum, and the high X-ray and radio luminosities imply that HD 61396 is most likely to be a member of the RS CVn class of evolved active binary stars. Its X-ray and radio luminosities place it among the five most luminous active binaries detected so far.     

The harmonic and sideband structure of the kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations in Sco X-1

We use data from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer to search for harmonics and sidebands of the two simultaneous kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations (kHz QPOs) in Sco X-1. We do not detect any of these harmonics or sidebands, with 95 per cent confidence upper limits to their power between ∼1 and ∼10 per cent of the power of the upper kHz QPO. The oscillations produced at these frequencies may be attenuated in a scattering corona around the neutron star. We find that upper limits to the unattenuated power of some of the strongest theoretically predicted harmonics and sidebands are as low as ∼2 per cent of the unattenuated power of the high-frequency QPO in Sco X-1.     

J-band spectroscopy of cataclysmic variables

We present time-resolved, J ‐band (1.025–1.340 μm) infrared spectra of the short-period dwarf novae (DNe) WZ Sge and VY Aqr, and single spectra of the short-period DN EF Peg and the nova-like variable PX And. There is some evidence in the spectra of VY Aqr and EF Peg that we have detected the secondary star, both in the continuum slope and also through the possible presence of spectral features. The spectra of WZ Sge and PX And, on the other hand, show no evidence for the secondary star, with upper limits for its contribution to the J ‐band light of 10 and 20 per cent respectively. The spectral type of the secondary in WZ Sge is constrained to be later than M7.5V. Using skew mapping, we have been able to derive a value for the radial velocity semi-amplitude of the secondary star in VY Aqr of K _R =320±70 km s⁻¹, which in conjunction with K _W from Thorstensen & Taylor gives a mass ratio of q =0.15±0.04.