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The long-term optical behaviour of helium-accreting AM CVn binaries

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Ramsay, G., Barclay, Thomas, Steeghs, D., Wheatley, P. J., Hakala, P., Kotko, Iwona and Rosen, S.. (2011) The long-term optical behaviour of helium-accreting AM CVn binaries. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Vol.419 (No.4). pp. 2836-2843. ISSN 00358711

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2011.19924.x

Abstract

We present the results of a two and a half year optical photometric monitoring programme covering 16 AM CVn binaries using the Liverpool Telescope on La Palma. We detected outbursts in seven systems, one of which (SDSS J0129) was seen in outburst for the first time. Our study coupled with existing data shows that 1/3 of these helium-rich accreting compact binaries show outbursts. The orbital period of the outbursting systems lies in the range 24–44 min and is remarkably consistent with disc-instability predictions. The characteristics of the outbursts seem to be broadly correlated with their orbital period (and hence mass transfer rate). Systems which have short periods (30 min) tend to exhibit outbursts lasting 1–2 weeks and often show a distinct ‘dip’ in flux shortly after the onset of the burst. We explore the nature of these dips which are also seen in the near-ultraviolet. The longer period bursters show higher amplitude events (5 mag) that can last several months. We have made simulations to estimate how many outbursts we are likely to have missed.

Item Type:

Journal Article

Subjects:

Q Science > QB Astronomy

Divisions:

Faculty of Science > Physics

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):

Double stars, Starbursts

Journal or Publication Title:

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

Publisher:

Wiley

ISSN:

00358711

Official Date:

2011

Dates:

Date	Event
2011	Published

Volume:

Vol.419

Number:

No.4

Page Range:

pp. 2836-2843

Identifier:

10.1111/j.1365-2966.2011.19924.x

Status:

Peer Reviewed

Publication Status:

Published

Access rights to Published version:

Restricted or Subscription Access

Funder:

Science and Technology Facilities Council (Great Britain) (STFC)

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