An X-ray study of AM Herculis. I. Discovery of a new mode of soft X-ray emission.
Abstract
The discovery of a new mode of soft X-ray emission of the magnetic cataclysmic variable AM Her is reported. AM Her has been observed in June, August and September 1983 with EXOSAT in both hard (1-30 keV) and soft (40-120 A) X-rays. Hard X-rays were seen to be partially eclipsed and periodic with the white dwarf rotation period. The eclipse phases are consistent with previous X-ray observations. Soft-X-rays were seen in sharply separate high and low intensity levels, also periodic with the white dwarf rotation period. The soft X-ray high levels, however, coincide with the hard X-ray eclipses. In contrast to previous X-ray observations. These light curves are discussed in terms of emission from two magnetic poles of the white dwarf.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- July 1985
- Bibcode:
- 1985A&A...148L..14H
- Keywords:
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- Cataclysmic Variables;
- Eclipsing Binary Stars;
- Magnetic Stars;
- White Dwarf Stars;
- X Ray Binaries;
- X Ray Spectra;
- Exosat Satellite;
- Light Curve;
- Stellar Mass Accretion;
- Stellar Rotation;
- Astrophysics