Statistical properties of dwarf novae-type cataclysmic variables: the outburst catalogue

The outburst catalogue contains a wide variety of observational properties for 722 dwarf nova (DN)-type cataclysmic variables (CVs) and 309 CVs of other types from the Catalina Real-time Transient Survey. In particular, it includes the apparent outburst and quiescent V-band magnitudes, duty cycles, limits on the recurrence time, upper and lower limits on the distance and absolute quiescent magnitudes, colour information, orbital parameters and X-ray counterparts. These properties were determined by means of a classification script presented in this paper. The DN in the catalogue show a correlation between the outburst duty cycle and the orbital period (and outburst recurrence time), as well as between the quiescent absolute magnitude and the orbital period (and duty cycle). This is the largest sample of DN properties collected to date. Besides serving as a useful reference for individual systems and a means of selecting objects for targetted studies, it will prove valuable for statistical studies that aim to shed light on the formation and evolution of cataclysmic variables.