The K-band spectrum of the cataclysmic variable RXJ 0502.8+1624 (Tau 4)

    Authors

    S. P. Littlefair; V. S. Dhillon;E. L. Martin

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Astron. Astrophys.

    Keywords

    binaries : spectroscopic; stars : individual : Tau 4; novae, cataclysmic; variables; infrared : stars; stars : low-mass, brown dwarfs; INCREMENTAL DATA RELEASE; ALL-SKY SURVEY; DWARF; NIRSPEC; Astronomy & Astrophysics

    Abstract

    We present the K-band spectrum of the cataclysmic variable RXJ 0502.8+1624 (Tau 4). The spectrum shows a broad, smooth hump, with no absorption lines from the secondary star visible. This result indicates that the infrared light of this system is dominated by cyclotron emission, and, in combination with the optical spectrum and X-ray properties, suggests that Tau 4 is a polar-type cataclysmic variable (CV). The system was chosen for study because the broadband JHK colours of Tau 4 are consistent with an L-type dwarf, suggesting that this system might harbour an elusive sub-stellar secondary star. The result presented here, along with the recent discovery of cyclotron emission in the cataclysmic variable EF Eri, suggests that care must be taken when using the broadband JHK colours of CVs when targeting searches for sub-stellar secondary stars.

    Journal Title

    Astronomy & Astrophysics

    Volume

    437

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2005

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    637

    Last Page

    639

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000229978400026

    ISSN

    0004-6361

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