Synchronization of the Magnetic Nova V1500 Cygni
Abstract
The study addresses a program of polarimetric monitoring of V1500 Cyg and a detection of spin-down of the magnetic primary star. Data on the spectral shape of polarized cyclotron flux is presented, and a lower limit to the field strength on the magnetic primary star is derived. The implications which the field strength and observed rate of period change have on locking scenarios are discussed, including the likelihood of identifying other AM Her systems in the process of formation. It is noted that two-color polarimetry of V1500 Cyg indicates a polar magnetic-field strength consistent with those measured in the synchronized AM Her variables; however, the symmetry and long-term repeatability of the polarized flux curves indicate that accretion occurs onto large regions of the white-dwarf surface.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- April 1991
- DOI:
- 10.1086/169939
- Bibcode:
- 1991ApJ...371..749S
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Photometry;
- Magnetic Stars;
- Novae;
- Polarized Light;
- Stellar Magnetic Fields;
- White Dwarf Stars;
- Cataclysmic Variables;
- Circular Polarization;
- Magnetic Flux;
- Magnetohydrodynamics;
- Stellar Mass Accretion;
- Astrophysics;
- POLARIZATION;
- STARS: BINARIES;
- STARS: INDIVIDUAL CONSTELLATION NAME: V1500 CYGNI;
- STARS: MAGNETIC;
- STARS: NOVAE