Swift observations of the X-ray and UV evolution of V2491 Cyg (Nova Cyg 2008 No. 2)
Abstract
We present extensive, high-density Swift observations of V2491 Cyg (Nova Cyg 2008 No. 2). Observing the X-ray emission from only one day after the nova discovery, the source is followed through the initial brightening, the super-soft source phase and back to the pre-outburst flux level. The evolution of the spectrum throughout the outburst is demonstrated. The UV and X-ray light curves follow very different paths, although changes occur in them around the same times, indicating a link between the bands. Flickering in the late-time X-ray data indicates the resumption of accretion. We show that if the white dwarf (WD) is magnetic, it would be among the most magnetic known; the lack of a periodic signal in our later data argues against a magnetic WD, however. We also discuss the possibility that V2491 Cyg is a recurrent nova, providing recurrence time-scale estimates.
- Publication:
-
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
- Pub Date:
- January 2010
- DOI:
- 10.1111/j.1365-2966.2009.15681.x
- arXiv:
- arXiv:0909.1501
- Bibcode:
- 2010MNRAS.401..121P
- Keywords:
-
- stars: individual: V2491 Cyg;
- novae;
- cataclysmic variables;
- Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
- E-Print:
- 12 pages, 8 figure (2 in colour), accepted for publication in MNRAS