Resolving the Periods of the Asynchronous Polar 1RXS J083842.1–282723
Abstract
1RXS J083842.1‑282723 is a nearly synchronous magnetic cataclysmic variable with a simple X-ray light curve. While its orbital period was fairly well established at P orb = 98.4 minutes from optical spectroscopy, indirect estimates of P spin/P orb ranged from 0.90 to 0.96 because the short X-ray light curves could not determine the beat period to a factor of 2. We analyze a recent 50 days TESS observation, and ground-based optical time-series photometry spanning 9 yr, that together measure precise beat, orbit, and spin periods and enable the X-ray and optical modulations to be phase aligned. Although the X-ray light curves do not distinguish between a beat period of 16.11 or 32.22 hr, all of the optical evidence favors the longer value, with complete pole switching of accretion every half beat cycle. This would require P spin/P orb = 0.952. Long-term optical monitoring also shows a decline in accretion rate, and a change in the beat-folded light curve. It would be useful to obtain a new X-ray/optical observation of at least 32 hr duration to examine any associated change in accretion structure, and to confirm the spin and beat periods.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- March 2024
- DOI:
- 10.3847/1538-4357/ad24ed
- Bibcode:
- 2024ApJ...963...78H
- Keywords:
-
- Cataclysmic variable stars;
- DQ Herculis stars;
- AM Herculis stars;
- 203;
- 407;
- 32