Peculiarities of the accretion flow in the system HL CMa

The properties of the aperiodic luminosity variability for the dwarf novaHLCMa are considered. The variability of the system HL CMa is shown to be suppressed at frequencies above 0.7 × 10^?2 Hz. Different variability suppression mechanisms related to the radiation reprocessing time, partial disk evaporation, and characteristic variability formation time are proposed. It has been found that the variability suppression frequency does not change when the system passes from the quiescent state to the outburst one, suggesting that the accretion flow geometry is invariable. It is concluded from the optical and Xray luminosities of the system that the boundary layer on the white dwarf surface is optically thick in both quiescent and outburst states. The latter implies that the optically thick part of the accretion flow (disk) reaches the white dwarf surface. The accretion rate in the system and the accretion flow geometry and temperature have been estimated from the variability power spectra and spectral characteristics in a wide energy range, from the optical to X-ray ones.     

The light curves of soft X-ray transients

We show that the light curves of soft X-ray transients (SXTs) follow naturally from the disc instability picture, adapted to take account of irradiation by the central X-ray source during the outburst. Irradiation prevents the disc from returning to the cool state until central accretion is greatly reduced. This happens only after most of the disc mass has been accreted by the central object, on a viscous time-scale, accounting naturally for the exponential decay of the outburst on a far longer time-scale (τ20–40 d) than seen in dwarf novae, without any need to manipulate the viscosity parameter α. The accretion of most of the disc mass in outburst explains the much longer recurrence time of SXTs compared with dwarf novae. This picture also suggests an explanation of the secondary maximum seen in SXT light curves about 50–75 d after the start of each outburst, since central irradiation triggers the thermal instability of the outer disc, adding to the central accretion rate one viscous time later. The X-ray outburst decay constant τ should on average increase with orbital period, but saturate at a roughly constant value ∼40 d for orbital periods longer than about a day. The bolometric light curve should show a linear rather than an exponential decay at late times (a few times τ). Outbursts of long-period systems should be entirely in the linear decay regime, as is observed in GRO J1744−28. UV and optical light curves should resemble the X-rays but have decay time-scales up to 2–4 times longer.     

The X-ray and extreme-ultraviolet flux evolution of SS Cygni throughout outburst

We present the most complete multiwavelength coverage of any dwarf nova outburst: simultaneous optical, Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer and Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer observations of SS Cygni throughout a narrow asymmetric outburst. Our data show that the high-energy outburst begins in the X-ray waveband 0.9–1.4 d after the beginning of the optical rise and 0.6 d before the extreme-ultraviolet rise. The X-ray flux drops suddenly, immediately before the extreme-ultraviolet flux rise, supporting the view that both components arise in the boundary layer between the accretion disc and white dwarf surface. The early rise of the X-ray flux shows that the propagation time of the outburst heating wave may have been previously overestimated.
The transitions between X-ray and extreme-ultraviolet dominated emission are accompanied by intense variability in the X-ray flux, with time-scales of minutes. As detailed by Mauche & Robinson, dwarf nova oscillations are detected throughout the extreme-ultraviolet outburst, but we find they are absent from the X-ray light curve.
X-ray and extreme-ultraviolet luminosities imply accretion rates of  3 × 10¹⁵ g s⁻¹  in quiescence,  1 × 10¹⁶ g s⁻¹  when the boundary layer becomes optically thick, and  ∼10¹⁸ g s⁻¹  at the peak of the outburst. The quiescent accretion rate is two and a half orders of magnitude higher than predicted by the standard disc instability model, and we suggest this may be because the inner accretion disc in SS Cyg is in a permanent outburst state.     

Timing of the accreting millisecond pulsar XTE J1814−338

We present a precise timing analysis of the accreting millisecond pulsar XTE J1814−338 during its 2003 outburst, observed by RXTE . A full orbital solution is given for the first time; Doppler effects induced by the motion of the source in the binary system were corrected, leading to a refined estimate of the orbital period,   P _orb= 15 388.7229(2)  s, and of the projected semimajor axis,   a sin  i / c = 0.390633(9)  light-second. We could then investigate the spin behaviour of the accreting compact object during the outburst. We report here a refined value of the spin frequency  (ν= 314.356 108 79(1) Hz)  and the first estimate of the spin frequency derivative of this source while accreting     . This spin-down behaviour arises when both the fundamental frequency and the second harmonic are taken into consideration. We discuss this in the context of the interaction between the disc and the quickly rotating magnetosphere, at accretion rates sufficiently low to allow a threading of the accretion disc in regions where the Keplerian velocity is slower than the magnetosphere velocity. We also present indications of a jitter of the pulse phases around the mean trend, which we argue results from movements of the accreting hotspots in response to variations of the accretion rate.     

On the observability of spiral structures in cataclysmic variable accretion discs

We use the grid of hydrodynamic accretion disc calculations of Stehle to construct orbital phase‐dependent emission‐line profiles of thin discs carrying spiral density waves. The observational signatures of spiral waves are explored to establish the feasibility of detecting spiral waves in cataclysmic variable discs using prominent emission lines in the visible range of the spectrum. For high Mach number accretion discs ( M v _φ c _s≃ 15 – 30), we find that the spiral shock arms are so tightly wound that they leave few obvious fingerprints in the emission lines. Only a minor variation of the double peak separation in the line profile at a level of ∼8 per cent is produced. For accretion discs in outburst ( M ≃ 5 – 20) however, the lines are dominated by the emission from an m =2 spiral pattern in the disc. We show that reliable Doppler tomograms of spiral shock patterns can be reconstructed provided that a signal‐to‐noise ratio of at least 15, a wavelength resolution of ∼80 km s⁻¹ and a time resolution of ∼50 spectra per binary orbit are achieved. We confirm that the observed spiral pattern in the disc of IP Pegasi can be reproduced by tidal density waves in the accretion disc and demands the presence of a large, hot disc, at least in the early outburst stages.     

X‐ray observations of classical novae: Theoretical implications

Detection of X‐rays from classical novae, both in outburst and post‐outburst, provides unique and crucial information about the explosion mechanism. Soft X‐rays reveal the hot white dwarf photosphere, whenever hydrogen (H) nuclear burning is still on and expanding envelope is transparent enough, whereas harder X‐rays give information about the ejecta and/or the accretion flow in the reborn cataclysmic variable. The duration of the supersoft X‐ray emission phase is related to the turn‐off of the classical nova, i.e., of the H‐burning on top of the white dwarf core. A review of X‐ray observations is presented, with a special emphasis on the implications for the duration of post‐outburst steady H‐burning and its theoretical explanation. The particular case of recurrent novae (both the “standard” objects and the recently discovered ones) will also be reviewed, in terms of theoretical feasibility of short recurrence periods, as well as regarding implications for scenarios of type Ia supernovae (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Analysis of observations of the dwarf nova pegasi 2010

Analysis of photometric and spectroscopic observations of GSC 02197-00886 at the outburst maximum (on May 8, 2010) and at the stage of relaxation towards the quiescent (on August 4, 2010) was performed. Radiation of an optically thick accretion disc with a hot boundary layer dominates the spectra, which are consistent with the spectra of a WZ Sge-type dwarf novae. In the relaxation phase, an optically thin accretion disc with radiation in the HI and HeI emission lines is observed against the background of the absorption spectrum of a white dwarf. The parameters of GSC 02197-00886, which were determined by combining the radial velocities of the components with the assumption that the secondary component is close to mainsequence stars, differ significantly from the parameters that characterize other WZ Sge-type systems. We hypothesize that the secondary component was excited in the course of the outburst and experienced long-lasting relaxation towards the main-sequence state.     

Resumption of mass accretion in RS Oph

The latest outburst of the recurrent nova RS Oph occurred in 2006 February. Photometric data presented here show evidence of the resumption of optical flickering, indicating re-establishment of accretion by day 241 of the outburst. Magnitude variations of up to 0.32 mag in V band and 0.14 mag in B band on time-scales of 600–7000 s are detected. Over the two-week observational period, we also detect a 0.5 mag decline in the mean brightness, from   V ≈ 11.4  to 11.9, and record   B ≈ 12.9 mag  . Limits on the mass accretion rate of     are calculated, which span the range of accretion rates modelled for direct wind accretion and Roche lobe overflow mechanisms. The current accretion rates make it difficult for thermonuclear runaway models to explain the observed recurrence interval, and this implies average accretion rates are typically higher than seen immediately post-outburst.     

Doppler tomography of accretion in binaries

Since its conception, Doppler tomography has matured into a versatile and widely used tool. It exploits the information contained in the highly‐structured spectral line‐profiles typically observed in mass‐transferring binaries. Using inversion techniques akin to medical imaging, it permits the reconstruction of Doppler maps that image the accretion flow on micro‐arcsecond scales. I summarise the basic concepts behind the technique and highlight two recent results; the use of donor star emission as a means to system parameter determination, and the real‐time movies of the evolving accretion flow in the cataclysmic variable WZ Sge during its 2001 outburst. I conclude with future opportunities in Doppler tomography by exploiting the combination of superior data sets, second generation reconstruction codes and simulated theoretical tomograms to delve deeper into the physics of accretion flows. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

XTE J1550-564 2001年“迷你爆发”的X射线能谱研究

黑洞X射线暂现源的迷你爆发是一类峰值光度较低、持续时间较短的爆发.由于观测数据较少,其物理机制仍不清楚.利用RXTE (Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer)卫星从2001年1月28日到3月14日的数据,研究了黑洞X射线暂现源XTE J1550–564 2001年迷你爆发的X射线能谱特性.发现在本次迷你爆发中, XTE J1550–564的X射线能谱可以用幂律谱很好地拟合.整个爆发的硬度强度图不是标准的q型,而是一直保持在最右侧.此外,还分析了此次爆发谱指数Γ与未吸收的2–10 keV能段的X射线流量F_(2–10 keV)的相关性,发现Γ-F_(2–10 keV)呈反相关关系,且谱指数Γ∈[1.35, 1.72].上述结果表明2001年这次爆发一直处于低/硬态,它的X射线辐射主要来自于辐射低效的吸积模式,如ADAF(Advection-Dominated Accretion Flow).     

The unusual 2006 dwarf nova outburst of GK Persei

The 2006 outburst of GK Persei differed significantly at optical and ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths from typical outbursts of this object. We present multiwavelength (X-ray, UV and optical) Swift and AAVSO data, giving unprecedented broad-band coverage of the outburst, allowing us to follow the evolution of the longer-than-normal 2006 outburst across these wavelengths. In the optical and UV we see a triple-peaked morphology with maximum brightness ∼1.5 mag lower than in previous years. In contrast, the peak hard X-ray flux is the same as in previous outbursts. We resolve this dichotomy by demonstrating that the hard X-ray flux only accounts for a small fraction of the total energy liberated during accretion, and interpret the optical/UV outburst profile as arising from a series of heating and cooling waves traversing the disc, caused by its variable density profile.     

A transient I-band excess in the optical spectrum of the accreting millisecond pulsar SAX J1808.4–3658

The optical counterpart of the transient, millisecond X-ray pulsar SAX J1808.4–3658 was observed in four colours ( BVRI ) for five weeks during the 2005 June–July outburst. The optical fluxes declined by ∼2 mag during the first 16d and then commenced quasi-periodic secondary outbursts, with time-scales of several days, similar to those seen in 2000 and 2002. The broad-band spectra derived from these measurements were generally consistent with emission from an X-ray heated accretion disc. During the first 16d decline in intensity the spectrum became redder. We suggest that the primary outburst was initiated by a viscosity change driven instability in the inner disc and note the contrast with another accreting millisecond pulsar, XTE J0929−314, for which the spectrum becomes bluer during the decline. On the night of 2005 June 5 (HJD 245 3527) the I -band flux was ∼0.45-mag brighter than on the preceding or following nights whereas the BV and R bands showed no obvious enhancement. A type I X-ray burst was detected by the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer spacecraft during this I -band integration. It seems unlikely that reprocessed radiation from the burst was sufficient to explain the observed increase. We suggest that a major part of the I -band excess was due to synchrotron emission triggered by the X-ray burst. Several other significant short duration changes in V − I were detected. One occurred at about HJD 245 3546 in the early phase of the first secondary outburst and may be due to mass-transfer instability or to another synchrotron emission event.     

Mass transfer in tidally unstable compact binaries

The 2001 outburst of WZ Sagittae has shown the most compelling evidence yet for an enhancement of the mass-transfer rate from the donor star during a dwarf nova outburst in the form of hotspot brightening. I show that, even in this extreme case, the brightening can be attributed to tidal heating near the interaction point of an accretion stream with the expanding edge of an eccentric accretion disc, with no need at all for an increase in the mass-transfer rate. Furthermore, I confirm previous suggestions that an increase in mass-transfer rate through the stream damps any eccentricity in an accretion disc and suppresses the appearance of superhumps, in contradiction to observations. Tidal heating is expected to be most significant in systems with small mass ratios. It follows that systems like WZ Sagittae – which has a tiny mass ratio – are those most likely to show a brightening in the hotspot region.     

A brief overview of dwarf novae and X-ray novae

Dwarf novae and X-ray novae have proven to be important in advancing our knowledge of accretion disk physics, or at least of posing challenging questions. The myriad behavior of the various classes and subclasses, including aspects associated both with outburst and quiescence, are constantly providing stimulus to our efforts at modeling accretion disks. I will briefly review some of the main properties of these two classes of objects – including discussions of their outburst characteristics and physical differences. I will also try to point out areas in which we do not have a detailed understanding of the basic model within which to interpret the observations.     

Spectral evolution of the classical symbiotic star V1413 Aql during a new activity cycle

We present the results of our spectroscopic observations for the classical symbiotic star V1413 Aql performed in 2008–2011. Various states of the hot component are considered: almost quiescence in 2008, very slow outburst onset in 2009, outburst maximum in 2010, and gradual brightness decline in the erupted hot component in 2011. We have established that, according to a spectroscopic criterion, in 2008 the system was in quiescence. We have shown that the parameters of the hot component during its outburst can be determined only by modeling the differences of the spectra taken at different eclipse phases. The active hot component of V1413 Aql at the outburst maximum is shown to have had the record late (for a symbiotic star) spectral type K2. At various stages of the new activity cycle, we have modeled the continuumenergy distribution based on a standard three-componentmodel, a model including a standard accretion disk and a red giant, and amodel including a supergiant (of various spectral types) and a red giant. The parameters of the system’s components have been determined.     

On the complex disc–corona interactions in the soft spectral states of soft X-ray transients

Accreting black holes show a complex and diverse behaviour in their soft spectral states. Although these spectra are dominated by a soft, thermal component which almost certainly arises from an accretion disc, there is also a hard X-ray tail indicating that some fraction of the accretion power is instead dissipated in hot, optically thin coronal material. During such states, best observed in the early outburst of soft X-ray transients, the ratio of power dissipated in the hot corona to that in the disc can vary from ∼ 0 (pure disc accretion) to ∼ 1 (equal power in each). Here we present results of spectral analyses of a number of sources, demonstrating the presence of complex features in their energy spectra. Our main findings are: (1) the soft components are not properly described by a thermal emission from accretion discs: they are appreciably broader than can be described by disc blackbody models even including relativistic effects, and (2) the spectral features near     commonly seen in such spectra can be well described by reprocessing of hard X-rays by optically thick, highly ionized, relativistically moving plasma.     

Second outburst of the black hole candidate MAXI J1836-194 from SWIFT and INTEGRAL observations

Details of the observations of a new (second) outburst of the X-ray transientMAXI J1836-194 discovered late in August 2011, a suspected black hole in a low-mass binary system, with the instruments of the SWIFT and INTEGRAL orbiting observatories are presented. The outburst was weaker than the first one; the source had a power-law spectrum in a wide X-ray (0.3–400 keV) energy range without any clear evidence for the presence of a soft (blackbody) component related to the emission from the outer accretion disk regions. This shows that the outburst was a “failed” one: the source did not pass through the sequence of spectral states characteristic of X-ray novae. The observed optical emission from the source whose variability was strongly correlated with its X-ray variability seems to have also been an extension of the power-law spectrum. Spectrum uniformity is, on the whole, unusual for other sources containing a black hole and raises the question about the nature of the emission from MAXI J1836-194 (disk or jet).     

On the accretion disc properties in eclipsing dwarf nova EM Cyg

In this paper we analyze the behavior of the unusual dwarf nova EM Cyg using the data obtained in April–October, 2007, at the Vyhorlat observatory (Slovak Republic) and in September, 2006, at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory (Ukraine). During our observations, EM Cyg has shown outbursts in every 15–40 days. Because on the light curves of EM Cyg a partial eclipse of the accretion disc is observed, we applied the eclipse mapping technique to a reconstruction of the temperature distribution in the eclipsed parts of the disc. Calculations of the accretion rate for the system were made for the quiescent and the outburst states of activity for various distances.     

Spectra of accretion discs around white dwarfs

We present the spectra of accretion discs around white dwarfs calculated with an improved and updated version of Shaviv and Wehrse [Shaviv, G., Wehrse, R., 1991. A&A 251, 117] model. The new version includes line opacities and convective energy transport and can be used to calculate the spectra of hot discs in bright systems (nova-like variables or dwarf novae in outburst) as well as the spectra of cold accretion discs in quiescent dwarf novae.     

1RXS J232953.9＋062814： a New SU UMa Dwarf Nova below the Period Minimum

1 INTRODUCTION1RXS J232953.9 062814 was identilied as a cataclysndc variable (CV) by Wei et al. (1999)when they selected a brW AGN sample from the optical ideottheations of the Bright SourceCatalog of ROSAT All Sky Survey (RASS-BSC) (Voges et al. 1999). It was classthed as adwarf nova by Hu et al. (1998). The CCD photometric observaioas by Uemura et al. (20()1)on 2001 Nov. 4.47--6.17 revealed superhuIns with amplitudes of 0.2Al.3mag and a periodof 0.046311(12) days, indicati…