Title

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

Authors

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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