Polarimetry of the eclipsing polar RX J0929.1 - 2404

David A H Buckley*, Lilia Ferrario, Dayal T. Wickramasinghe, Jeremy A. Bailey

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    9 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    We report polarimetric, spectropolarimetric and photometric observations of the eclipsing ROSAT cataclysmic variable RX J0929.1 - 2404, which confirm that the system is a new polar (AM Herculis system). This brings the number of eclipsing polars to nine, with RX J0929.1 - 2404 being only the third such system above the period gap. Circular polarization variations from ∼ -20 to 10 per cent are seen over the 3.39-h orbital period, with a minimum around the time of eclipse. The photopolarimetric data were modelled using arc-shaped cyclotron emission regions in a centred dipole geometry. Results imply that RX J0929.1 - 2404 is a 'two-pole' system, with one emission region partially visible at all orbital phases. Spectropolarimetry observations show some evidence for the presence of cyclotron humps in the continuum, with spacings consistent with a magnetic field strength of ∼20 MG. Photometry of the eclipses provides information on the size of the emission region, which is consistent with a hotspot on the surface of the white dwarf. The eclipse duration implies an inclination in the range 70°≲i≲78°.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)899-906
    Number of pages8
    JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
    Volume295
    Issue number4
    Publication statusPublished - 21 Apr 1998

    Keywords

    • 2404
    • Accretion, accretion discs
    • Novae, cataclysmic variables
    • Stars: individual: RX J0929.1
    • Stars: magnetic fields
    • White dwarfs
    • X-rays: stars

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Polarimetry of the eclipsing polar RX J0929.1 - 2404'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this