Published March 1987 | Version v1
Journal article

1E 1048.5 + 5421 - a new 114 minute AM Herculis binary

  • 1. Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Cambridge, MA
  • 2. Colorado Univ., Boulder
  • 3. Steward Observatory, Tucson, AZ

Description

The discovery of a new AM Herculis binary system, found as a serendipitous Einstein X-ray source, is described. Like the previously discovered mass-transfer binaries involving synchronously rotating magnetic white-dwarf primaries, the system exhibits strong circular polarization, X-ray and optical continuum variations, and optical emission lines, all of which seem to be modulated with these binary periods of 114.5 + or - 0.2 minutes. Although all data are not concurrent, the new system appears to possess the highest ratio of F(x)/F(opt) yet found for an AM Her system. The surprising accumulation of AM Her variables with periods near 114 minute is commented on. 32 references

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Astrophys. J.
Journal Volume
314
Series
Astrophys. J.
Journal Page Range
641-652
ISSN
0004-637X
CODEN
ASJOA

INIS

Country of Publication
United States
Country of Input or Organization
United States
INIS RN
18092100
Subject category
S79: ASTROPHYSICS, COSMOLOGY AND ASTRONOMY;
Descriptors DEI
BINARY STARS; COSMIC X-RAY SOURCES; EMISSION SPECTRA; PHOTOMETRY; POLARIZATION; VARIATIONS; WHITE DWARF STARS; X RADIATION
Descriptors DEC
COSMIC RAY SOURCES; DWARF STARS; ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION; IONIZING RADIATIONS; RADIATIONS; SPECTRA; STARS