Title

The K-Band Spectrum Of The Cataclysmic Variable Rxj 0502.8+1624 (Tau 4)

Keywords

Binaries: spectroscopic; Brown dwarfs; Infrared: stars; Novae, cataclysmic variables; Stars: individual: Tau 4; Stars: low-mass

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. © ESO 2005.

Publication Date

7-1-2005

Publication Title

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Volume

437

Issue

2

Number of Pages

637-639

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361:20052780

Socpus ID

21644487380 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/21644487380

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