Swift Observations of Cataclysmic Variables and Novae, and the Potential of MAXI
Abstract
Swift is the long-awaited ideal of cataclysmic variable astronomers: an available, sensitive, rapid-response, X-ray and optical satellite. It is performing extended observations of accreting white dwarfs, unobtainable by other means. These are valuable because the the accretion rate in the disk is measured in optical light, while the accretion rate onto the white dwarf may be measurable in X-rays. In addition, the Swift Burst Alert Telescope, is finding surprising hard X-ray emission from symbiotic stars, as well as the expected emission from the strong shock in intermediate polars. I will review the Swift results on cataclysmic variables and quickly summarize the extensive Swift results on novae, using these as pointers to what can be expected from the Japanese MAXI all-sky X-ray survey experiment.
- Publication:
-
AAS/High Energy Astrophysics Division #11
- Pub Date:
- March 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010HEAD...11.2206O