SDSS J233325.92+152222.1 and the evolution of intermediate polars

Intermediate polars (IPs) are cataclysmic variables which contain magnetic white dwarfs with a rotational period shorter than the binary orbital period. Evolutionary theory predicts that IPs with long orbital periods evolve through the 2–3 h period gap, but it is very uncertain what the properties of the resulting objects are. Whilst a relatively large number of long-period IPs are known, very few of these have short orbital periods. We present phase-resolved spectroscopy and photometry of SDSS J233325.92+152222.1 (SDSS J2333) and classify it as the IP with the shortest-known orbital period (83.12 ± 0.09 min), which contains a white dwarf with a relatively long spin period (41.66 ± 0.13 min). We estimate the white dwarf's magnetic moment to be μ_WD≈ 2 × 10³³ G cm³, which is not only similar to three of the other four confirmed short-period IPs but also to those of many of the long-period IPs. We suggest that long-period IPs conserve their magnetic moment as they evolve towards shorter orbital periods. Therefore, the dominant population of long-period IPs, which have white dwarf spin periods roughly 10 times shorter than their orbital periods, will likely end up as short-period IPs like SDSS J2333, with spin periods a large fraction of their orbital periods.     

VLT/FORS spectroscopy of faint cataclysmic variables discovered by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

We present medium-resolution VLT/FORS2 spectroscopy of six cataclysmic variables (CVs) discovered by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We determine orbital periods for  SDSS J023322.61+005059.5 (96.08 ± 0.09 min), SDSS J091127.36+084140.7 (295.74 ± 0.22 min), SDSS J103533.02+055158.3 (82.10 ± 0.09 min)  and SDSS J121607.03+052013.9 (most likely 98.82 ± 0.16 min, but the one-day aliases at 92 and 107 min are also possible) using radial velocities measured from their Hα and Hβ emission lines. Three of the four orbital periods measured here are close to the observed 75–80 min minimum period for CVs, indicating that the properties of the population of these objects discovered by the SDSS are substantially different to those of the CVs found by other means. Additional photometry of SDSS J023322.61+005059.5 reveals a periodicity of approximately 60 min which we interpret as the spin period of the white dwarf, suggesting that this system is an intermediate polar with a low accretion rate. SDSS J103533.02+055158.3 has a period right at the observed minimum value, a spectrum dominated by the cool white dwarf primary star and exhibits deep eclipses, so is an excellent candidate for an accurate determination of the parameters of the system. The spectroscopic orbit of SDSS J121607.03+052013.9 has a velocity amplitude of only  13.8 ± 1.6 km s⁻¹  , implying that this system has an extreme mass ratio. From several physical constraints we find that this object must contain either a high-mass white dwarf or a brown-dwarf-mass secondary component or both.     

Multiwavelength study of the transient X-ray binary IGR J01583+6713

We have investigated multiband optical photometric variability and stability of the Hα line profile of the transient X-ray binary IGR J01583+6713. We set an upper limit of 0.05 mag on photometric variations in the V band over a time-scale of three months. The Hα line is found to consist of non-Gaussian profile and quite stable for a duration of two months. We have identified the spectral type of the companion star to be B2 IVe while the distance to the source is estimated to be ∼4.0 kpc. Along with the optical observations, we have also carried out analysis of X-ray data from three short observations of the source, two with the Swift –XRT and one with the RXTE –PCA. We have detected a variation in the absorption column density, from a value of  22.0 × 10²² cm⁻²  immediately after the outburst down to  2.6 × 10²² cm⁻²  four months afterwards. In the quiescent state, the X-ray absorption is consistent with the optical reddening measurement of   E ( B − V ) = 1.46  mag. From one of the Swift observations, during which the X-ray intensity was higher, we have a possible pulse detection with a period of 469.2 s. For a Be X-ray binary, this indicates an orbital period in the range of 216–561 d for this binary system.     

The long-period AM CVn star SDSS J155252.48+32 0150.9

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey has been instrumental in obtaining a homogeneous sample of the rare AM CVn stars: mass-transferring binary white dwarfs. As part of a campaign of spectroscopic follow-up on candidate AM CVn stars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, we have obtained time-resolved spectra of the   g = 20.2  candidate SDSS J155252.48+320150.9 on the Very Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory. We report an orbital period   P _orb= 3376.3 ± 0.3 s  , or 56.272 ± 0.005 min, based on an observed 'S-wave' in the helium emission lines of the spectra. This confirms the ultracompact nature of the binary. Despite its relative closeness to the orbital period minimum for hydrogen-rich donors, there is no evidence for hydrogen in the spectra. We thus classify SDSS J1552 as a new bona fide AM CVn star, with the second-longest orbital period after V396 Hya  ( P = 65.5 min)  . The continuum of SDSS J1552 is compatible with either a blackbody or helium atmosphere of   T _eff= 12 000–15 000 K  . If this represents the photosphere of the accreting white dwarf, as is expected, it puts the accretor at the upper end of the temperature range predicted by thermal evolution models. This suggests that SDSS J1552 consists of (or formerly consisted of) relatively high-mass components.     

The Norma cluster (ACO3627) – II. The near-infrared Ks -band luminosity function

A deep   K _s   -band photometric catalogue of galaxies at the core of the rich, nearby Norma cluster (ACO3627) is presented. The survey covers about  45 × 45 arcmin²  (slightly less than 1/3 Abell radius), which corresponds to  ∼0.8  h ⁻²₇₀ Mpc²  at the adopted distance  ( v _CMB/ H ₀)  of  70  h ⁻¹₇₀ Mpc  of this cluster. The survey is estimated to be complete to a magnitude of     . This extends into the dwarf regime, 6 mag below     . The catalogue contains 390 objects, 235 of which are classified as likely or definite galaxies and 155 as candidate galaxies. The   K _s   -band luminosity function (LF) is constructed from the photometric sample, using a spectroscopic subsample to correct for fore and background contamination. We fit a Schechter function with a characteristic magnitude of     and faint-end slope of  α=−1.26 ± 0.10  to the data. The shape of the LF is similar to those found in previous determinations of the cluster LF, in both optical and near-infrared. The Schechter parameters agree well with those of recent field LFs, suggesting that the shape of both the bright-end and the faint-end slopes are relatively insensitive to environment.     

A non-main-sequence secondary in SY Cancri

Simultaneous spectroscopic and photometric observations of the Z Cam type dwarf nova SY Cancri were used to obtain absolute flux calibrations. A comparison of the photometric calibration with a wide-slit spectrophotometric calibration showed that either method is equally satisfactory. A radial velocity study of the secondary star, made using the far-red Na  i doublet, yielded a semi-amplitude of   K ₂= 127 ± 23 km s⁻¹  . Taking the published value of  86 ± 9 km s⁻¹  for K ₁ gives a mass ratio of   q = M ₂/ M ₁= 0.68 ± 0.14  ; this is very different from the value of  1.13 ± 0.35  quoted in the literature. Using the new lower mass ratio, and constraining the mass of the white dwarf to be within reasonable limits, then leads to a mass for the secondary star that is substantially less than would be expected for its orbital period if it satisfied a main-sequence mass–radius relationship. We find a spectral type of M0 that is consistent with that expected for a main-sequence star of the low mass we have found. However, in order to fill its Roche lobe, the secondary must be significantly larger than a main-sequence star of that mass and spectral type. The secondary is definitely not a normal main-sequence star.     

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.     

Periodicities in the high-mass X-ray binary system RX J0146.9+6121/LS I+61°235

The high-mass X-ray binary RX J0146.9+6121, with optical counterpart LS I+61°235 (V831 Cas), is an intriguing system on the outskirts of the open cluster NGC 663. It contains the slowest Be type X-ray pulsar known with a pulse period of around 1400 s and, primarily from the study of variation in the emission line profile of Hα, it is known to have a Be decretion disc with a one-armed density wave period of approximately 1240 d. Here we present the results of an extensive photometric campaign, supplemented with optical spectroscopy, aimed at measuring short time-scale periodicities. We find three significant periodicities in the photometric data at, in order of statistical significance, 0.34, 0.67 and 0.10 d. We give arguments to support the interpretation that the 0.34 and 0.10 d periods could be due to stellar oscillations of the B-type primary star and that the 0.67 d period is the spin period of the Be star with a spin axis inclination of  23⁺¹⁰₋₈  degrees. We measured a systemic velocity of  −37.0 ± 4.3 km s⁻¹  confirming that LS I+61°235 has a high probability of membership in the young cluster NGC 663 from which the system's age can be estimated as 20–25 Myr. From archival RXTE All Sky Monitor (ASM) data we further find 'super' X-ray outbursts roughly every 450 d. If these super outbursts are caused by the alignment of the compact star with the one-armed decretion disc enhancement, then the orbital period is approximately 330 d.     

Optical photometry and spectroscopy of the accretion-powered millisecond pulsar HETE J1900.1 − 2455

We present phase resolved optical photometry and spectroscopy of the accreting millisecond pulsar HETE J1900.1−2455. Our R -band light curves exhibit a sinusoidal modulation, at close to the orbital period, which we initially attributed to X-ray heating of the irradiated face of the secondary star. However, further analysis reveals that the source of the modulation is more likely due to superhumps caused by a precessing accretion disc. Doppler tomography of a broad Hα emission line reveals an emission ring, consistent with that expected from an accretion disc. Using the velocity of the emission ring as an estimate for the projected outer disc velocity, we constrain the maximum projected velocity of the secondary to be 200 km s⁻¹, placing a lower limit of  0.05 M_⊙  on the secondary mass. For a  1.4 M_⊙  primary, this implies that the orbital inclination is low, ≲20°. Utilizing the observed relationship between the secondary mass and the orbital period in short-period cataclysmic variables, we estimate the secondary mass to be ∼0.085  M_⊙  , which implies an upper limit of  ∼2.4 M_⊙  for the primary mass.     

The accretion powered spin-up of GRO J1750−27

The timing properties of the 4.45 s pulsar in the Be X-ray binary system GRO J1750−27 are examined using hard X-ray data from INTEGRAL and Swift during a type II outburst observed during 2008. The orbital parameters of the system are measured and agree well with those found during the last known outburst of the system in 1995. Correcting the effects of the Doppler shifting of the period, due to the orbital motion of the pulsar, leads to the detection of an intrinsic spin-up that is well described by a simple model including     and     terms of  −7.5 × 10⁻¹⁰ s s⁻¹  and  1 × 10⁻¹⁶ s s⁻²  , respectively. The model is then used to compare the time-resolved variation of the X-ray flux and intrinsic spin-up against the accretion torque model of Ghosh & Lamb; this finds that GRO J1750−27 is likely located 12–22 kpc distant and that the surface magnetic field of the neutron star is  ∼2 × 10¹²  G. The shape of the pulse and the pulsed fraction shows different behaviour above and below 20 keV, indicating that the observed pulsations are the convolution of many complex components.     

Velocity dispersion measurements of dwarf galaxies in the Coma cluster – implications for the structure of the fundamental plane

We present intermediate-resolution spectroscopic data for a set of dwarf and giant galaxies in the Coma cluster, with  −20.6 < M_R < −15.7.  The photometric and kinematic properties of the brighter galaxies can be cast in terms of parameters which present little scatter with respect to a set of scaling relations known as the fundamental plane. To determine the form of these fundamental scaling relations at lower luminosities, we have measured velocity dispersions for a sample comprising 69 galaxies on the border of the dwarf and giant regime. Combining these data with our photometric survey, we find a tight correlation of luminosity and velocity dispersion,   L ∝σ^2.0  , substantially flatter than the Faber–Jackson relation characterizing giant elliptical galaxies. In addition, the variation of mass-to-light ( M / L ) ratio with velocity dispersion is quite weak in our dwarf sample:   M / L ∝σ^0.2.  Our overall results are consistent with theoretical models invoking large-scale mass removal and subsequent structural readjustment, e.g. as a result of galactic winds.     

The SuperCOSMOS Sky Survey – II. Image detection, parametrization, classification and photometry

In this, the second in a series of three papers concerning the SuperCOSMOS Sky Survey, we describe the methods for image detection, parametrization, classification and photometry. We demonstrate the internal and external accuracy of our object parameters. Using examples from the first release of data, the South Galactic Cap survey, we show that our image detection completeness is close to 100 per cent to within ∼1.5 mag of the nominal plate limits. We show that for the B _J survey data, the image classification is externally > 99 per cent reliable to B _J∼19.5 . Internally, the image classification is reliable at a level of > 90 per cent to B _J∼21 , R ∼19 . The photometric accuracy of our data is typically ∼0.3 mag with respect to external data for m >15 . Internally, the relative photometric accuracy in restricted position and magnitude ranges can be as accurate as ∼5 per cent for well-exposed stellar images. Colours are externally accurate to σ _{B − R , R − I} ∼0.07 at B _J∼16.5 , rising to σ _{B − R , R − I} ∼0.16 at B _J∼20 .     

X-ray and ultraviolet observations of the dwarf nova VW Hyi in quiescence

We present an analysis of X-ray and ultraviolet (UV) data of the dwarf nova VW Hyi that were obtained with XMM–Newton during the quiescent state. The X-ray spectrum indicates the presence of an optically thin plasma in the boundary layer that cools as it settles on to the white dwarf. The plasma has a continuous temperature distribution that is well described by a power law or a cooling flow model with a maximum temperature of 6–8 keV. We estimate from the X-ray spectrum a boundary layer luminosity of  8 × 10³⁰ erg s^-1  , which is only 20 per cent of the disc luminosity. The rate of accretion on to the white dwarf is  5 × 10⁻¹² M_⊙ yr⁻¹  , about half of the rate in the disc. From the high-resolution X-ray spectra, we estimate that the X-ray emitting part of the boundary layer is rotating with a velocity of 540 km s⁻¹, which is close to the rotation velocity of the white dwarf but is significantly smaller than the Keplerian velocity. We detect a 60-s quasi-periodic oscillation of the X-ray flux, which is likely to be due to the rotation of the boundary layer. The X-ray and the UV flux show strong variability on a time-scale of ∼1500 s. We find that the variability in the two bands is correlated and that the X-ray fluctuations are delayed by ∼100 s. The correlation indicates that the variable UV flux is emitted near the transition region between the disc and the boundary layer and that accretion rate fluctuations in this region are propagated to the X-ray emitting part of the boundary layer within ∼100 s. An orbital modulation of the X-ray flux suggests that the inner accretion disc is tilted with respect to the orbital plane. The elemental abundances in the boundary layer are close to their solar values.     

Absolute spectrophotometry and photometric evolution of Nova Scuti 2005 N.1 (≡ V476 Sct)

Our CCD photometry of Nova Scuti 2005 N.1 shows it to be a fast nova, characterized by   t ₂= 15  and   t ₃= 28d  , affected by an   E ( B − V ) ∼ 1.9  mag reddening, appearing at a position     (±0.04 arcsec)     (±0.09 arcsec, J2000) and peaking at   V ∼ 11.1  mag on ∼September 28.1 ut . Absolute spectrophotometry places it within the Fe  ii class. The profile of emission lines is characterized by a double peak with a velocity separation of 690 km s⁻¹ and a width at half intensity of 1200 km s⁻¹. The distance to the nova is  4 ± 1 kpc  , and its height above the Galactic plane is   z = 80 ± 20  pc. The highly crowded field affects a possible identification of the progenitor, whose pre-outburst magnitude should, however, have been  22 < V < 25  mag, thus below the limit of photographic surveys. A deep   B V R _C I _C  photometric sequence is provided to support continued observations of the advanced decline phases.     

The component masses of the cataclysmic variable V347 Puppis

We present time-resolved spectroscopy and photometry of the double-lined eclipsing cataclysmic variable V347 Pup (=LB 1800). There is evidence of irradiation on the inner hemisphere of the secondary star, which we correct for using a model to give a secondary-star radial velocity of   K _R= 198 ± 5 km s⁻¹  . The rotational velocity of the secondary star in V347 Pup is found to be   v sin  i = 131 ± 5 km s⁻¹  and the system inclination is   i = 840 ± 23  . From these parameters we obtain masses of   M ₁= 0.63 ± 0.04 M_⊙  for the white dwarf primary and   M ₂= 0.52 ± 0.06 M_⊙  for the M0.5V secondary star, giving a mass ratio of   q = 0.83 ± 0.05  . On the basis of the component masses, and the spectral type and radius of the secondary star in V347 Pup, we find tentative evidence for an evolved companion. V347 Pup shows many of the characteristics of the SW Sex stars, exhibiting single-peaked emission lines, high-velocity S-wave components and phase-offsets in the radial velocity curve. We find spiral arms in the accretion disc of V347 Pup and measure the disc radius to be close to the maximum allowed in a pressureless disc.     

Asymptotic giant branch stars in the Phoenix dwarf galaxy

JHK _s near-infrared photometry of stars in the Phoenix dwarf galaxy is presented and discussed. Combining these data with the optical photometry of Massey et al. allows a rather clean separation of field stars from Phoenix members. The discovery of a Mira variable ( P = 425 d), which is almost certainly a carbon star, leads to an estimate of the distance modulus of 23.10 ± 0.18 that is consistent with other estimates and indicates the existence of a significant population of age ∼2 Gyr. The two carbon stars of Da Costa have   M _bol=−3.8  and are consistent with belonging to a population of similar age; some other possible members of such a population are identified. A Da Costa non-carbon star is  Δ K _s∼ 0.3  mag brighter than these two carbon stars. It may be an asymptotic giant branch star of the dominant old population. The nature of other stars lying close to it in the   K _s, ( J − K _s)  diagram needs studying.     

L dwarfs in the Hyades

We present the results of a proper motion survey of the Hyades to search for brown dwarfs, based on UKIRT Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS) and Two-Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) data. This survey covers  ∼275 deg²  to a depth of   K ∼ 15  mag, equivalent to a mass of  ∼0.05 M_⊙  assuming a cluster age of 625 Myr. The discovery of 12 L dwarf Hyades members is reported. These members are also brown dwarfs, with masses between  0.05 < M < 0.075 M_⊙  . A high proportion of these L dwarfs appear to be photometric binaries.     

Correlated spectral variability in brown dwarfs

Models of brown dwarf atmospheres suggest they exhibit complex physical behaviour. Observations have shown that they are indeed dynamic, displaying small photometric variations over time-scales of hours. Here, I report results of infrared (0.95–1.64 μm) spectrophotometric monitoring of four field L and T dwarfs spanning time-scales of 0.1–5.5 h, the goal being to learn more about the physical nature of this variability. Spectra are analysed differentially with respect to a simultaneously observed reference source in order to remove Earth-atmospheric variations. The variability amplitude detected is typically 2–10 per cent, depending on the source and wavelength. I analyse the data for correlated variations between spectral indices. This approach is more robust than single band or  χ²  analyses, because it does not assume an amplitude for the (often uncertain) noise level (although the significance test still assumes a shape for the noise power spectrum). Three of the four targets show significant evidence for correlated variability. Some of this can be associated with specific features including Fe, FeH, VO and K  i , and there is good evidence for intrinsic variability in H₂O and possibly also CH₄. Yet some of this variability covers a broader spectral range which would be consistent with dust opacity variations. The underlying common cause is plausibly localized temperature or composition fluctuations caused by convection. Looking at the high signal-to-noise ratio stacked spectra, we see many previously identified spectral features of L and T dwarfs, such as K  i , Na  i , FeH, H₂O and CH₄. In particular, we may have detected methane absorption at 1.3–1.4 μm in the L5 dwarf SDSS 0539−0059.     

BF Eridani: a cataclysmic variable with a massive white dwarf and an evolved secondary

We present high- and medium-resolution spectroscopic observations of the cataclysmic variable BF Eridani (BF Eri) during its low and bright states. The orbital period of this system was found to be 0.270881(3) d. The secondary star is clearly visible in the spectra through the absorption lines of the neutral metals Mg  i , Fe  i and Ca  i . Its spectral type was found to be K3±0.5. A radial velocity study of the secondary yielded a semi-amplitude of   K ₂= 182.5 ± 0.9 km s⁻¹  . The radial velocity semi-amplitude of the white dwarf was found to be   K ₁= 74 ± 3 km s⁻¹  from the motion of the wings of the Hα and Hβ emission lines. From these parameters, we have obtained that the secondary in BF Eri is an evolved star with a mass of  0.50–0.59 M_⊙  , whose size is about 30 per cent larger than a zero-age main-sequence single star of the same mass. We also show that BF Eri contains a massive white dwarf  ( M ₁≥ 1.2 M_⊙)  , which allows us to consider the system as a Type Ia supernova progenitor. BF Eri also shows a high γ-velocity  (γ=−94 km s⁻¹)  and substantial proper motion. With our estimation of the distance to the system  ( d ≈ 700 ± 200 pc)  , this corresponds to a space velocity of ∼350 km s⁻¹ with respect to the dynamical local standard of rest. The cumulative effect of repeated nova eruptions with asymmetric envelope ejection might explain the high space velocity of the system. We analyse the outburst behaviour of BF Eri and question the current classification of the system as a dwarf nova. We propose that BF Eri might be an old nova exhibiting 'stunted' outbursts.     

Orbital periods of cataclysmic variables identified by the SDSS – IV. SDSS J220553.98+115553.7 has stopped pulsating

We present time-series Very Large Telescope (VLT) spectroscopy and New Technology Telescope (NTT) photometry of the cataclysmic variable SDSS J220553.98+115553.7, which contains a pulsating white dwarf. We determine a spectroscopic orbital period of   P _orb= 82.825 ± 0.089 min  from velocity measurements of the Hα emission line. A period analysis of the light curves reveals a dominant periodicity at   P _phot= 44.779 ± 0.038 min  which is not related to the spectroscopic period. However, the light curves do not exhibit a variation at any frequency which is attributable to GW Lib-type pulsations, to a detection limit of 5 mmag. This non-detection is in contrast to previous studies which have found three pulsation frequencies with amplitudes of 9–11 mmag at optical wavelengths. Destructive interference and changes to the thermal properties of the driving layer in direct response to accretion can be ruled out as causes of the non-detection. Alternatively, it is feasible that the object has cooled out of the instability strip since a previous (unobserved) dwarf nova superoutburst. This would be the first time this behaviour has been seen in a cataclysmic variable pulsator. Another possibility is that changes in the surface characteristics, possibly induced by accretion phenomena, have modified the surface visibility of the pulsation modes. Further observations, particularly improved constraints on the time-scale for changes in the mode spectrum, are needed to distinguish among possible explanations.