Search

We report the discovery of 2M1222-57 as a low-mass, pre-main-sequence (PMS) eclipsing binary (EB) in the Lower Centaurus Crux (LCC) association for which, using Gaia parallaxes and proper motions with a neural-net age estimator, we determine an age of 16.2$\pm$2.2 Myr. The broadband spectral energy distribution (SED) shows clear excess at ~10 um indicative of a circumbinary disk, and new speckle-imaging observations reveal a faint, tertiary companion separated by ~100 AU. H-alpha emission is modulated on the orbital period, consistent with theoretical models of orbitally pulsed accretion streams reaching from the inner disk edge to the central stars. From a joint analysis of spectroscopically determined radial velocities and TESS light curves, together with additional tight constraints provided by the SED and the Gaia parallax, we measure masses for the eclipsing stars of 0.74 Msun and 0.67 Msun; radii of 0.98 Rsun and 0.94 Rsun; and effective temperatures of 3750 K and 3645 K. The masses and radii of both stars are measured to an accuracy of ~1%. The measured radii are inflated, and the temperatures suppressed, relative to predictions of standard PMS evolutionary models at the age of LCC; also, the Li abundances are ~2 dex less depleted than predicted by those models. However, models that account for the global and internal effects of surface magnetic fields are able to simultaneously reproduce the measured radii, temperatures, and Li abundances at an age of 17.0$\pm$0.5 Myr. Altogether, the 2M1222-57 system presents very strong evidence that magnetic activity in young stars alters both their global properties and the physics of their interiors., Comment: 23 pages, 19 figures, accepted by ApJ

We report the discovery of the first eclipsing detached double white dwarf (WD) binary. In a pulsation search, the low-mass helium core WD NLTT 11748 was targeted for fast (approx 1 minute) differential photometry with the Las Cumbres Observatory's Faulkes Telescope North. Rather than pulsations, we discovered approx 180 s 3%-6% dips in the photometry. Subsequent radial velocity measurements of the primary white dwarf from the Keck telescope found variations with a semi-amplitude K_1 = 271 +/- 3 km/s, and confirmed the dips as eclipses caused by an orbiting WD with a mass M_2 = 0.648-0.771 M_sun for M_1 = 0.1-0.2 M_sun. We detect both the primary and secondary eclipses during the P_orb = 5.64 hr orbit and measure the secondary's brightness to be 3.5% +/- 0.3% of the primary at SDSS-g'. Assuming that the secondary follows the mass-radius relation of a cold C/O WD and including the effects of microlensing in the binary, the primary eclipse yields a primary radius of R_1 = 0.043-0.039 R_sun for M_1 = 0.1-0.2 M_sun, consistent with the theoretically expected values for a helium core WD with a thick, stably burning hydrogen envelope. Though nearby (at approx 150 pc), the gravitational wave strain from NLTT 11748 is likely not adequate for direct detection by the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna. Future observational efforts will determine M_1, yielding accurate WD mass-radius measurement of both components, as well as a clearer indication of the binary's fate once contact is reached., 5 pages, 3 figures: Accepted to ApJ Letters, 2010 May 11. v2 corrects a typo in ephemeris and impliments redline corrections

We announce the discovery of Kepler-6b, a transiting hot Jupiter orbiting a star with unusually high metallicity, [Fe/H] = +0.34 +/- 0.04. The planet's mass is about 2/3 that of Jupiter, Mp = 0.67 Mj, and the radius is thirty percent larger than that of Jupiter, Rp = 1.32 Rj, resulting in a density of 0.35 g/cc, a fairly typical value for such a planet. The orbital period is P = 3.235 days. The host star is both more massive than the Sun, Mstar = 1.21 Msun, and larger than the Sun, Rstar = 1.39 Rsun.

Early time-series photometry from NASA's Kepler spacecraft has revealed a planet transiting the star we term Kepler-4, at RA = 19h02m27.68s, Dec = +50:08:08.7. The planet has an orbital period of 3.213 days and shows transits with a relative depth of 0.87 x 10^{-3} and a duration of about 3.95 hours. Radial velocity measurements from the Keck HIRES spectrograph show a reflex Doppler signal of 9.3 (+1.1 -1.9) m/s, consistent with a low-eccentricity orbit with the phase expected from the transits. Various tests show no evidence for any companion star near enough to affect the light curve or the radial velocities for this system. From a transit-based estimate of the host star's mean density, combined with analysis of high-resolution spectra, we infer that the host star is near turnoff from the main sequence, with estimated mass and radius of 1.223 (+0.053 -0.091) solar masses and 1.487 (+0.071 -0.084) solar radii. We estimate the planet mass and radius to be 24.5 +/- 3.8 Earth masses and 3.99 +/- 0.21 Earth radii. The planet's density is near 1.9 g/cm^3; it is thus slightly denser and more massive than Neptune, but about the same size., 9 pages, 4 Figures, 1 Table. Submitted to Ap.J. Letters

Ten days of commissioning data (Quarter 0) and thirty-three days of science data (Quarter 1) yield instrumental flux timeseries of ~150,000 stars that were combed for transit events, termed Threshold Crossing Events (TCE), each having a total detection statistic above 7.1-sigma. TCE light curves are modeled as star+planet systems. Those returning a companion radius smaller than 2R_J are assigned a KOI (Kepler Object of Interest) number. The raw flux, pixel flux, and flux-weighted centroids of every KOI are scrutinized to assess the likelihood of being an astrophysical false-positive versus the likelihood of a being a planetary companion. This vetting using Kepler data is referred to as data validation. Herein, we describe the data validation metrics and graphics used to identify viable planet candidates amongst the KOIs. Light curve modeling tests for a) the difference in depth of the odd- versus even-numbered transits, b) evidence of ellipsoidal variations, and c) evidence of a secondary eclipse event at phase=0.5. Flux-weighted centroids are used to test for signals correlated with transit events with a magnitude and direction indicative of a background eclipsing binary. Centroid timeseries are complimented by analysis of images taken in-transit versus out-of-transit, the difference often revealing the pixel contributing the most to the flux change during transit. Examples are shown to illustrate each test. Candidates passing data validation are submitted to ground-based observers for further false-positive elimination or confirmation/characterization., submitted to Astrophysical Journal Letters

Do white dwarfs host asteroid systems? Although several lines of argument suggest that white dwarfs may be orbited by large populations of asteroids, transits would provide the most direct evidence. We demonstrate that the Kepler mission has the capability to detect transits of white dwarfs by asteroids. Because white-dwarf asteroid systems, if they exist, are likely to contain many asteroids orbiting in a spatially extended distribution, discoveries of asteroid transits can be made by monitoring only a small number of white dwarfs, compatible with Kepler's primary mission, which is to monitor stars with potentially habitable planets. Possible future missions that survey ten times as many stars with similar sensitivity and minute-cadence monitoring can establish the characteristics of asteroid systems around white dwarfs, such as the distribution of asteroid sizes and semimajor axes. Transits by planets would be more dramatic, but the probability that they will occur is lower. Ensembles of planetary moons and/or the presence of rings around planets can also produce transits detectable by Kepler. The presence of moons and rings can significantly increase the probability that Kepler will discover planets orbiting white dwarfs, even while monitoring only a small number of them., 12 pages, 1 figure; submitted to ApJ, 11 February 2009

We present new Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph (IRS) observations of three intermediate polars: V1223 Sgr, EX Hya, and V603 Aql. We detected a strong, fading flare event from V1223 Sgr. During this event, the flux declined by a factor of 13 in 30 minutes. Given the similarity in the slope of its mid-infrared spectrum during this event to that of AE Aqr, we suggest that this event was caused by transient synchrotron emission. Thus, V1223 Sgr becomes the third cataclysmic variable known to be a synchrotron source. We were unable to confirm the mid-infrared excess noted by Harrison et al. (Paper I) for EX Hya, suggesting that this object is either not a synchrotron source, or is slightly variable. Due to a very high background, V603 Aql was not detected in the long-wavelength regions accessible to the IRS. Given the recent detection of SS Cygni at radio wavelengths during outburst, we extract archival Spitzer IRS spectra for this source obtained during two successive maxima. These spectra do not show a strong excess, but without simultaneous data at shorter wavelengths, it is not possible to determine whether there is any contribution to the mid-infrared fluxes from a synchrotron jet.

Time-resolved low resolution Hubble Space Telescope ultraviolet spectra together with ground-based optical photometry and spectra are used to constrain the temperatures and pulsation properties of six cataclysmic variables containing pulsating white dwarfs (WDs). Combining our temperature determinations for the five pulsating WDs that are several years past outburst with past results on six other systems shows that the instability strip for accreting pulsating WDs ranges from 10,500 to 15,000 K, a wider range than evident for ZZ Ceti pulsators. Analysis of the UV/optical pulsation properties reveals some puzzling aspects. While half the systems show high pulsation amplitudes in the UV compared to their optical counterparts, others show UV/optical amplitude ratios that are less than one or no pulsations at either wavelength region.

Ultraviolet light curves constructed from NUV and FUV detectors on GALEX reveal large amplitude variations during the orbital period of the Low Accretion Rate Polar MQ Dra (SDSSJ1553+55). This unexpected variation from a UV source is similar to that seen and discussed in the Polar EF Eri during its low state of accretion, even though the accretion rate in MQ Dra is an order of magnitude lower than even the low state of EF Eri. The similarity in phasing of the UV and optical light curves in MQ Dra imply a similar location for the source of light. We explore the possibilities of hot spots and cyclotron emission with simple models fit to the UV, optical and IR light curves of MQ Dra. To match the GALEX light curves with a single temperature circular hot spot requires different sizes of spots for the NUV and FUV, while a cyclotron model that can produce the optical harmonics with a magnetic field near 60 MG requires multipoles with fields > 200 MG to match the UV fluxes., accepted for ApJ; 15 pages, 7 tables, 8 figs

We present results from Hubble Space Telescope UV spectroscopy of the massive X-ray binary system, HD226868 = Cyg X-1. The spectra were obtained at both orbital conjunction phases in two separate runs in 2002 and 2003 when the system was in the X-ray high/soft state. The stellar wind lines suffer large reductions in strength when the black hole is in the foreground due to the X-ray ionization of the wind ions. A comparison of HST and archival IUE spectra shows that similar photoionization effects occur in both the X-ray states. We constructed model UV wind line profiles assuming that X-ray ionization occurs everywhere in the wind except the zone where the supergiant blocks the X-ray flux. The good match between the observed and model profiles indicates that the wind ionization extends to near to the hemisphere of the supergiant facing the X-ray source. The H-alpha emission strength is generally lower in the high/soft state compared to the low/hard state, but the He II 4686 emission is relatively constant between states. The results suggest that mass transfer in Cyg X-1 is dominated by a focused wind flow that peaks along the axis joining the stars and that the stellar wind contribution is shut down by X-ray photoionization effects. The strong stellar wind from the shadowed side of the supergiant will stall when Coriolis deflection brings the gas into the region of X-ray illumination. This stalled gas component may be overtaken by the orbital motion of the black hole and act to inhibit accretion from the focused wind. The variations in the strength of the shadow wind component may then lead to accretion rate changes that ultimately determine the X-ray state.

We present phase-resolved spectroscopy of the short period cataclysmic variable WZ Sge obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope. We were able to resolve the orbital motion of a number of absorption lines that likely probe the environment near the accreting white dwarf. The radial velocities derived from simultaneous fits to 13 absorption lines indicate an orbital velocity semi-amplitude of K_UV = 47 +/- 3 km/s. However, we find that the phase zero is offset from the white dwarf ephemeris by +0.1. Our offset and velocity amplitude are very similar to constraints derived from optical emission lines from the quiescent accretion disk, despite the fact that we are probing material much closer to the primary. If we associate the UV amplitude with K_1, our dynamical constraints together with the K_2 estimates from Steeghs et al. (2001) and the known binary inclination of i=77+/-2 imply 0.88, Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal

We present Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph (IRS) observations of eleven intermediate polars (IPs). Spectra covering the wavelength range from 5.2 to 14 $\mu$m are presented for all eleven objects, and longer wavelength spectra are presented for three objects (AE Aqr, EX Hya, and V1223 Sgr). We also present new, moderate resolution (R $\sim$ 2000) near-infrared spectra for five of the program objects. We find that, in general, the mid-infrared spectra are consistent with simple power laws that extend from the optical into the mid-infrared. There is no evidence for discrete cyclotron emission features in the near- or mid-infrared spectra for any of the IPs investigated. If cyclotron emission is occurring in the 5.2 to 14.0 $\mu$m bandpass it constitutes less than 1% of the bolometric luminosity of any of the IPs. We discuss our results in the context of the standard model for IPs., Comment: 43 pages, including 17 figures, accepted by the Astrophysical Journal

We present the first observations of magnetic cataclysmic variables with the Spitzer Space Telescope. We used the Infrared Array Camera to obtain photometry of the polars EF Eri, GG Leo, V347 Pav, and RX J0154.0-5947 at 3.6, 4.5, 5.8, and 8.0 $\mu$m. In all of our targets, we detect excess mid-infrared emission over that expected from the component stars alone. We explore the origin of this IR excess by examining bremsstrahlung, cyclotron emission, circumbinary dust, and L/T brown dwarf secondary stars. Bremsstrahlung and cyclotron emission appear unlikely to be significant contributors to the observed fluxes. At present, the most likely candidate for the excess emission is dust that is probably located in a circumbinary disk with an inner temperature near 800 K. However, a simple dust disk plus any reasonable low mass or brown dwarf-like secondary star is unable to fully explain the observed flux densities in the 3--8 $\mu$m region., Comment: Accepted to ApJ Letters

We have observed the short-period dwarf novae BW Scl, BC UMa and SW UMa using the Hubble Space Telescope/Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph. In all three systems, the white dwarf is the dominant source of far-ultraviolet flux, even though in BC UMa and SW UMa an additional continuum component contributes ~10% and ~20% of the 1400A flux, respectively. Fitting the data with detailed white dwarf model spectra, we determine the effective temperatures to be 14800+-900K (BW Scl), 15200+-1000K (BC UMa), and 13900+-900K (SW UMa). The additional continuum component in BC UMa and SW UMa is equally well described by either a blackbody or a power law, which could be associated with emission from the hot spot or from an optically thin accretion disk (or an optically thin layer on top of a colder optically thick disk), respectively. Modelling the narrow metal lines detected in the STIS spectra results in sub-solar abundances of carbon, oxygen and silicon for all three systems, and also suggests substantial supra-solar abundances of aluminium. The narrow absorption line profiles imply low white dwarf rotation rates, v sin(i)

Time-resolved IR spectroscopy of WZ Sge was obtained using NIRSPEC on Keck II. We detect CO and H$_{\rm 2}$ emission from the accretion disk placing WZ Sge into a rarefied class of astronomical objects including YSOs and high luminosity early-type stars. During the eclipse phase, the molecular emission greatly weakens but no firm evidence for the secondary star is seen allowing new limits on its luminosity to be determined. The detection of molecular emission provides physical properties within the outer disk of T=3000K and N$_H$$>10^{10}$ cm$^{-3}$. Such a cool, dense region, not associated with areas of H I and He I emission, provides the first observational confirmation of predictions made by accretion disk models.

We present Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph E140M spectra of the dwarf nova WZ Sge, following the early superoutburst of 2001 July. Our four far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectra, obtained over a time span of 4 months, monitor changes in the hot component of the system during the decline phase. The spectra cover the wavelength interval 1150-1708 A. They reveal Stark-broadened Lyα and He II (1640) absorption and absorption lines due to metals (Si, C, N, Al) from a range of ionization states. Single-temperature white dwarf models provide reasonable qualitative agreement with the HST spectra. We find that the white dwarf appears to dominate the spectra from October through December. However, it is not clear that the absorption lines of metals form in the white dwarf photosphere. Therefore, the derived abundances and rotational velocity must be viewed with caution. Only a modest improvement in the fits to the data results when an accretion belt component is included. If the FUV spectra arise from the white dwarf alone, then we measure a cooling in response to the outburst of at least 11,000 K (29,000-18,000 K). The absence of broad underlying absorption features due to metals at this stage suggests slow rotation (~200 km s-1). It is possible that the white dwarf envelope has expanded due to the heating by the outburst or that the relatively narrow absorption features we observe are forming in an inflated disk atmosphere or curtain associated with the outburst.

We present the results of our analysis of six orbits of HST/STIS time-tagged spectroscopy of the intermediate polar, EX Hydrae. The high time and wavelength resolution of the HST/STIS spectra provided an excellent opportunity to study the UV properties of EX Hya. Measurements of the continuum and emission line fluxes corroborate earlier studies that show that the emission line fluxes are modulated more strongly than the continuum flux and originate from the accretion curtains, while the continuum flux originates from the white dwarf photosphere. The measured K amplitude of the narrow emission line radial velocity curve is used to calculate a white dwarf mass of 0.91+/-0.05 M_sun. Synthetic white dwarf photosphere and accretion disk spectral models are used to further refine the white dwarf and accretion disk properties. Using the spectral models, it is determined that EX Hya has a white dwarf of mass 0.9 M_sun, T=23000 K, an accretion disk truncated at 2.5 R_WD, and is at a distance of 60 pc.

We present the results of a multicomponent synthetic spectral analysis of Hubble Space Telescope (HST) STIS spectra of the ultrashort-period dwarf novae VY Aqr and WX Ceti during their deep quiescence following their last superoutburst. The white dwarf in these extremely low accretion rate systems dominates the far-UV light. We find that the accreting white dwarfs in VY Aqr and WX Ceti are remarkably similar. Both systems contain white dwarfs with Teff = 13,000-13,500 K, a rotation velocity below 800-1200 km s-1, and subsolar metallicity. Both white dwarfs are better fitted with a two-temperature white dwarf plus accretion belt model in which part of the white dwarf is cooler and "slowly" rotating and part is hotter, smaller, and spinning at the Keplerian speed. We discuss the implications of the surface temperatures we have derived for the white dwarfs in VY Aqr, WX Ceti, and the nine other WZ Sge-like dwarf novae below the period gap which have been observed with HST. Their surface temperatures cluster closely around 15,000 K and their orbital periods are between 1.3 and 1.5 hr. We show that long-term compressional heating due to time-averaged accretion is the mechanism responsible for the clustering around 15,000 K. The time-averaged accretion rate corresponding to this cluster of observed temperatures is almost precisely what is predicted if gravitational wave emission is driving mass transfer below the period gap.

On 2000 May 5, we began a large, multiwavelength campaign to study the intermediate polar (IP) EX Hydrae. The simultaneous observations from six satellites and four telescopes were centered around a 1 million second observation with Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE). Although EX Hya has been studied previously with EUVE, our higher signal-to-noise ratio observations present new results and challenge the current IP models. Previously unseen dips in the light curve are reminiscent of the stream dips seen in polar light curves. Also of interest is the temporal extent of the bulge dip, approximately 0.5 in phase, implying that the bulge extends over half of the accretion disk. We propose that the magnetic field in EX Hya is strong enough (a few MG) to begin pulling material directly from the outer edge of the disk, thereby forming a large accretion curtain, which would produce a very broad bulge dip. This would also result in magnetically controlled accretion streams originating from the outer edge of the disk. We also present a period analysis of the photometric data, which shows numerous beat frequencies with strong power and also intermittent and wandering frequencies, an indication that physical conditions within EX Hya changed over the course of the observation. Iron spectral line ratios give a temperature of log T = 6.5-6.9 K for all spin phases and a poorly constrained density of ne = 1010-1011 cm-3 for the emitting plasma. This paper is the first in a series detailing our results from this multiwavelength observational campaign.

We have obtained Hubble Space Telescope UV spectra of the white dwarf in GW Lib, the only known non-radially pulsating white dwarf in a cataclysmic variable, and the first known DAZQ variable. The UV light curve reveals large amplitude (10%) pulsationsin the UV with the same periods (646, 376 and 237 s) as those seen at optical wavelengths, but the mean spectrum fits with an average white dwarf temperature (14,700K for a 0.6M_{odot} white dwarf) that is too hot to be in the normal instability strip for ZZ Ceti stars. A better fit is achieved with a dual temperature model (with 63% of the white dwarf surface at a temperature of 13300K and 37% at 17100K), and a higher mass (0.8M_{odot}) white dwarf with 0.1 solar metal abundance. Since the blue edge of the instability strip moves to higher temperature with increasing mass, the lower temperature of this model is within the instability strip. However, the presence of accretion likely causes abundance and atmospheric temperature differences in GW Lib compared to all known single white dwarf pulsators, and the current models that have been capable of explaining ZZ Ceti stars may not apply.

Our Hubble Space Telescope (HST) ultraviolet spectra of the low mass transfer rate cataclysmic variables EG Cnc and HV Vir at 4 yr and 8 yr past their last superoutburst have shown that the white dwarfs in these systems are among the coolest yet observed in disk-accreting close binaries. The UV-optical fluxes of EG Cnc are consistent with a 11,700-13,000 K white dwarf at a distance of 350-475 pc, while those of HV Vir fit with a 12,500-14,000 K white dwarf at 400-550 pc, with log g = 8.0 ± 0.5 for both stars. In each case, the metal abundance is near 0.3 solar, while the rotation rates are considerably less than breakup. If these systems formed above the period gap and evolved to their short periods in an evolution time of several Gyr, then their white dwarfs are hotter than field white dwarfs of comparable age and hotter than those in close binary systems of similar orbital period that contain magnetic white dwarfs. If these systems have indeed passed the period minimum in their evolution, the implication is that they are significantly heated by the long-term effects of mass transfer from their close companions.

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We investigate variations of the mass transfer rate in cataclysmic variables (CVs) that are induced by nova outbursts. The ejection of nova shells leads to a spread of transfer rates in systems with similar orbital period. The effect is maximal if the specific angular momentum in the shell is the same as the specific orbital angular momentum of the white dwarf. We show analytically that in this case the nova-induced widening of the mass transfer rate distribution can be significant if the system, in the absence of nova outbursts, is close to mass transfer instability (i.e., within a factor of ~1.5 of the critical mass ratio). Hence the effect is negligible below the period gap and for systems with high-mass white dwarfs. At orbital periods between about 3 and 6 hrs the width of the mass transfer rate distribution exceeds an order of magnitude if the mass accreted on the white dwarf prior to the runaway is larger than a few 10^{-4} M_sun. At a given orbital period in this range, systems with the highest transfer rate should on average have the largest ratio of donor to white dwarf mass. We show results of population synthesis models which confirm and augment the analytic results., ApJ, in press; 14 pages (incl. 7 figures), emulateapj style

We present time-resolved K-band spectra of the polar ST LMi obtained during a time of zero mass transfer. Analysis of these first ever phase-resolved observations of an uncontaminated cataclysmic variable (CV) secondary star show no evidence for ellipsoidal variations, affects due to gravity darkening, or irradiation of the L1 point. The data indicate instead that the secondary star has a phase-dependent temperature including the existence of a localized cooler region centered near orbital phase 0.8. We examine a few possible explanations for such phenomena and conclude that the most likely cause is due to starspot activity. The location of the critical Roche surface calculated with respect to the physical stellar surface of the secondary star is shown to change during the lifetime of a cataclysmic variable and thereby effect its evolution. Previous suggestions of low-state behavior being caused by a starspot placed at L1 are shown not to work. However, an active chromosphere on the secondary star is both consistent with the current observations and may naturally explain high-/low-state behavior in CVs.

We have developed a model of the high-energy accretion region for magnetic cataclysmic variables and applied it to {\it Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer} observations of 10 AM Herculis type systems. The major features of the EUV light curves are well described by the model. The light curves exhibit a large variety of features such as eclipses of the accretion region by the secondary star and the accretion stream, and dips caused by material very close to the accretion region. While all the observed features of the light curves are highly dependent on viewing geometry, none of the light curves are consistent with a flat, circular accretion spot whose lightcurve would vary solely from projection effects. The accretion region immediately above the WD surface is a source of EUV radiation caused by either a vertical extent to the accretion spot, or Compton scattering off electrons in the accretion column, or, very likely, both. Our model yields spot sizes averaging 0.06 R$_{WD}$, or $f \sim 1 \times 10^{-3}$ the WD surface area, and average spot heights of 0.023 R$_{WD}$. Spectra extracted during broad dip phases are softer than spectra during the out-of-dip phases. This spectral ratio measurement leads to the conclusion that Compton scattering, some absorption by a warm absorber, geometric effects, an asymmetric temperature structure in the accretion region and an asymmetric density structure of the accretion columnare all important components needed to fully explain the data. Spectra extracted at phases where the accretion spot is hidden behind the limb of the WD, but with the accretion column immediately above the spot still visible, show no evidence of emission features characteristic of a hot plasma.

We present phase-resolved near-infrared broadband photometry of four short-period cataclysmic variables (HU Aqr, WZ Sge, TY Psc, and V592 Cas). Coupled with ultraviolet and optical data obtained from the literature, we have modeled the spectral energy distributions of these four cataclysmic variables, as well as that of the twin of WZ Sge, AL Com. The secondary stars contribute no more than 20%-50% of the near-infrared flux except for the polar HU Aqr, where the secondary contributes ~75% of the near-infrared flux. For the systems located above the orbital period minimum, the temperatures of the secondary stars match those for the expected main-sequence secondary stars. However, our modeling places WZ Sge below the orbital period minimum and shows it containing a secondary star of less than 1700 K—the coldest "star" yet identified.

We present {ital Hubble} {ital Space} {ital Telescope} ({ital HST}) ultraviolet spectra of AL Com obtained with the Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) during four epochs 10{endash}14 months following its 1995 April superoutburst. During our 1996 observations, the continuum fluxes underwent a slow decline of 20{percent}, while the spectrum showed Ly{alpha} and Si ii absorption features indicative of a 20,000 K white dwarf. The cooling sequence in AL Com is found to be about half as long as that of WZ Sge. This timescale is what is predicted for an outburst that was half the duration of WZ Sge, if shear mixing and angular momentum result in nonspherical accretion into an equatorial belt. Our longest data set (1996 June) showed spectral line variations on the orbital period with C iv in emission for about one-third of the orbit but revealed no orbital variability in the continuum. Ground-based optical spectra obtained close in time to our February {ital HST} data also show stronger line emission for one-third of an orbit and highly variable broad absorption from the secondary star. The spectral variations may be due to the changing visibility of a nonuniform disk or of a secondary star irradiated by the hotmore » white dwarf. {copyright} {ital {copyright} 1998.} {ital The American Astronomical Society}« less

We present time-resolved spectroscopy for AL Com, one of the faintest known tremendous outburst amplitude dwarf novae (TOADs). Using newly produced models for a white dwarf and red secondary, we show that the star AL Com has orbitally phase-resolved broad absorption features of yet unidentified origin and an optically thin accretion disk. Radial velocities measured from the few spectra available show essentially no motion of the white dwarf, leading to a strict upper limit on the secondary mass of ≤0.18 M☉, with a likely value of 0.04-0.09 M☉. This agrees well with recent theoretical arguments placing the TOADs as post-period minimum cataclysmic variables.

We have analyzed Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) observations of BL Hyi obtained during a high-accretion state in 1995 October. The light curve obtained with the Deep Survey instrument reveals a broad hump covering the phases in which both poles have been known to be active in X-ray emission. In contrast to the X-ray, both poles contribute a comparable extreme ultraviolet (EUV) flux. The short-wavelength spectrum can be fitted with either a relatively cool (5 eV), pure-hydrogen white dwarf or with a 17 eV blackbody; both fits imply a neutral hyrogen column density in the local interstellar medium of ~3 × 1019 cm-2. However, nearly simultaneous IUE far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectroscopic measurements rule out pure-hydrogen white dwarf models with temperatures of less than 8 eV. BL Hyi has a cooler accretion area than AM Her and VV Pup, but it is similar in temperature to QS Tel. The total EUV energy is 2-4 × 1032 ergs s-1, which is only slightly greater than the hard X-ray and cyclotron energy. This suggests that BL Hyi has a conventional accretion column and that the polar cap is primarily heated from above by radiation from the accretion shock, rather than from below by dense blobs that penetrate the photosphere.

We present the results of simultaneous optical polarimetry and EUV spectroscopy and photometry of PQ Gem, a magnetic cataclysmic variable which shows observational properties of the strongly magnetic AM Her class, as well as the weaker field DQ Her stars. The EUV spectrum of PQ Gem is weak, showing continuum blueward of 80 A and a few possible weak emission lines due to Mg, Si, and Ne. The EUV light curve has a similar appearance to previous X-ray data obtained for PQ Gem, including a narrow "dip" feature that is modulated with the white dwarf spin period. Observed polarization variations on the spin period, modeled by a slightly modified version of that used in Potter et al., matched the optical light curve and linear polarization curve reasonably well, but not the position angle variation. The EUV properties of PQ Gem can also be understood in the context of this model.

We present Kepler light curves and optical spectroscopy of twenty X-ray bright stars located in the Kepler field of view. The stars, spectral type FK, show evidence for rapid rotation including chromospheric activity 100 times or more above the Sun at maximum and flaring behavior in their light curves. Eighteen of our objects appear to be (sub)giants and may belong to the class of FK Com variables, that is evolved rapidly spinning single stars with no excretion disk and high levels of chromospheric activity. Such stars are rare and are likely the result of W UMa binary mergers, a process believed to produce the FK Com class of variable and their descendants. The FK Com stage, including the presence of an excretion disk, is short-lived but leads to longer-lived stages consisting of single, rapidly rotating evolved (sub)giants with high levels of stellar activity., Comment: 34 pages, Accepted in ApJ

We report the detection of two new long-period giant planets orbiting the stars HD 95872 and HD 162004 (psi1 Draconis B) by the McDonald Observatory planet search. The planet HD 95872b has a minimum mass of 4.6 M_Jup and an orbital semi-major axis of 5.2 AU. The giant planet psi1 Dra Bb has a minimum mass of 1.5 M_Jup and an orbital semi-major axis of 4.4 AU. Both of these planets qualify as Jupiter analogs. These results are based on over one and a half decades of precise radial velocity measurements collected by our program using the McDonald Observatory Tull Coude spectrograph at the 2.7 m Harlan J. Smith telescope. In the case of psi1 Draconis B we also detect a long-term non-linear trend in our data that indicates the presence of an additional giant planet, similar to the Jupiter-Saturn pair. The primary of the binary star system, psi1 Dra A, exhibits a very large amplitude radial velocity variation due to another stellar companion. We detect this additional member using speckle imaging. We also report two cases - HD 10086 and HD 102870 (beta Virginis) - of significant radial velocity variation consistent with the presence of a planet, but that are probably caused by stellar activity, rather than reflexive Keplerian motion. These two cases stress the importance of monitoring the magnetic activity level of a target star, as long-term activity cycles can mimic the presence of a Jupiter-analog planet., Comment: 31 pages, 27 figures, accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal

Infrared spectroscopic observations of LL Andromedae and EF Eridani are presented. Our K band spectrum of LL Andromedae reveals the presence of methane absorption in the secondary star indicating an effective temperature less than 1300K, similar to a "T" type methane brown dwarf. The secondary star in EF Eridani is seen to be warmer with an effective temperature of ~1650K and a spectroscopic classification consistent with an L4-5 star. Both secondaries have theoretical mass estimates of 0.04-0.055 solar masses (40-55 Jupiter masses). Our IR spectroscopic observations of LL And and EF Eri provide the first direct proof of the theoretical prediction that post-period minimum cataclysmic variables contain brown dwarf-like secondary stars.

We present Spitzer 4.5\micron\ light curve observations, Keck NIRSPEC radial velocity observations, and LCOGT optical light curve observations of PTFO~8-8695, which may host a Jupiter-sized planet in a very short orbital period (0.45 days). Previous work by \citet{vaneyken12} and \citet{barnes13} predicts that the stellar rotation axis and the planetary orbital plane should precess with a period of $300 - 600$ days. As a consequence, the observed transits should change shape and depth, disappear, and reappear with the precession. Our observations indicate the long-term presence of the transit events ($>3$ years), and that the transits indeed do change depth, disappear and reappear. The Spitzer observations and the NIRSPEC radial velocity observations (with contemporaneous LCOGT optical light curve data) are consistent with the predicted transit times and depths for the $M_\star = 0.34\ M_\odot$ precession model and demonstrate the disappearance of the transits. An LCOGT optical light curve shows that the transits do reappear approximately 1 year later. The observed transits occur at the times predicted by a straight-forward propagation of the transit ephemeris. The precession model correctly predicts the depth and time of the Spitzer transit and the lack of a transit at the time of the NIRSPEC radial velocity observations. However, the precession model predicts the return of the transits approximately 1 month later than observed by LCOGT. Overall, the data are suggestive that the planetary interpretation of the observed transit events may indeed be correct, but the precession model and data are currently insufficient to confirm firmly the planetary status of PTFO~8-8695b., Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal

We measure planet occurrence rates using the planet candidates discovered by the Q1-Q16 Kepler pipeline search. This study examines planet occurrence rates for the Kepler GK dwarf target sample for planet radii, 0.75, Comment: 19 Pages, 17 Figures, Submitted ApJ. Python source to support Kepler pipeline completeness estimates available at http://github.com/christopherburke/KeplerPORTs/

KOI-81 is a totally eclipsing binary discovered by the Kepler mission that consists of a rapidly rotating B-type star and a small, hot companion. The system was forged through large-scale mass transfer that stripped the mass donor of its envelope and spun up the mass gainer star. We present an analysis of UV spectra of KOI-81 that were obtained with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope that reveal for the first time the spectral features of the faint, hot companion. We present a double-lined spectroscopic orbit for the system that yields mass estimates of and for the B-star and hot subdwarf, respectively. We used a Doppler tomography algorithm to reconstruct the UV spectra of the components, and a comparison of the reconstructed and model spectra yields effective temperatures of 12 and 19?27 kK for the B-star and hot companion, respectively. The B-star is pulsating, and we identified a number of peaks in the Fourier transform of the light curve, including one that may indicate an equatorial rotation period of 11.5 hr. The B-star has an equatorial velocity that is 74% of the critical velocity where centrifugal and gravitational accelerations balance at the equator, and we fit the transit light curve by calculating a rotationally distorted model for the photosphere of the B-star.

We present an investigation of twelve candidate transiting planets from Kepler with orbital periods ranging from 34 to 207 days, selected from initial indications that they are small and potentially in the habitable zone (HZ) of their parent stars. Few of these objects are known. The expected Doppler signals are too small to confirm them by demonstrating that their masses are in the planetary regime. Here we verify their planetary nature by validating them statistically using the BLENDER technique, which simulates large numbers of false positives and compares the resulting light curves with the Kepler photometry. This analysis was supplemented with new follow-up observations (high-resolution optical and near-infrared spectroscopy, adaptive optics imaging, and speckle interferometry), as well as an analysis of the flux centroids. For eleven of them (KOI-0571.05, 1422.04, 1422.05, 2529.02, 3255.01, 3284.01, 4005.01, 4087.01, 4622.01, 4742.01, and 4745.01) we show that the likelihood they are true planets is far greater than that of a false positive, to a confidence level of 99.73% (3 sigma) or higher. For KOI-4427.01 the confidence level is about 99.2% (2.6 sigma). With our accurate characterization of the GKM host stars, the derived planetary radii range from 1.1 to 2.7 R_Earth. All twelve objects are confirmed to be in the HZ, and nine are small enough to be rocky. Excluding three of them that have been previously validated by others, our study doubles the number of known rocky planets in the HZ. KOI-3284.01 (Kepler-438b) and KOI-4742.01 (Kepler-442b) are the planets most similar to the Earth discovered to date when considering their size and incident flux jointly.

We present preliminary analysis of the first far-ultraviolet observation of the magnetic cataclysmic variable PQ Geminorum (RE 0751+14). The mean spectrum of PQ Gem obtained by the ORFEUS telescope shows strong, broad emission lines of C III, He II, and O VI and possibly other weak lines within a structured continuum. The flat, overall continuum flux distribution observed indicates the presence of a hot, extended accretion region in PQ Gem. Time-series analysis of the spectra reveals that the emission lines are highly variable on short timescales.

We present high-quality ULTRACAM photometry of the eclipsing detached double-white dwarf binary NLTT 11748. This system consists of a carbon/oxygen white dwarf and an extremely-low mass (< 0.2 Msun) helium-core white dwarf in a 5.6 hr orbit. To date such extremely-low mass WDs, which can have thin, stably-burning outer layers, have been modeled via poorly-constrained atmosphere and cooling calculations where uncertainties in the detailed structure can strongly influence the eventual fates of these systems when mass-transfer begins. With precise (individual precision ~1%) high-cadence (~2 s) multi-color photometry of multiple primary and secondary eclipses spanning >1.5 yr, we constrain the masses and radii of both objects in the NLTT 11748 system to a statistical uncertainty of a few percent. However, we find that overall uncertainty in the thickness of the envelope of the secondary carbon/oxygen white dwarf leads to a larger (~13%) systematic uncertainty in the primary He WD's mass. Over the full range of possible envelope thicknesses we find that our primary mass (0.136-0.162 Msun) and surface gravity (log(g)=6.32-6.38; radii are 0.0423-0.0433 Rsun) constraints do not agree with previous spectroscopic determinations. We use precise eclipse timing to detect the Romer delay at 7 sigma significance, providing an additional weak constraint on the masses and limiting the eccentricity to e*cos(omega)= -4e-5 +/- 5e-5. Finally, we use multi-color data to constrain the secondary's effective temperature (7600+/-120 K) and cooling age (1.6-1.7 Gyr)., 10 pages, 6 figures. ApJ, in press. Minor typographical corrections in v2

We present the discovery and characterization of a giant planet orbiting the young Sun-like star Kepler-63 (KOI-63, m [subscript Kp] = 11.6, T [subscript eff] = 5576 K, M [star] = 0.98 M [subscript ☉]). The planet transits every 9.43 days, with apparent depth variations and brightening anomalies caused by large starspots. The planet's radius is 6.1 ± 0.2 R [subscript ⊕], based on the transit light curve and the estimated stellar parameters. The planet's mass could not be measured with the existing radial-velocity data, due to the high level of stellar activity, but if we assume a circular orbit, then we can place a rough upper bound of 120 M [subscript ⊕] (3σ). The host star has a high obliquity (ψ = 104°), based on the Rossiter-McLaughlin effect and an analysis of starspot-crossing events. This result is valuable because almost all previous obliquity measurements are for stars with more massive planets and shorter-period orbits. In addition, the polar orbit of the planet combined with an analysis of spot-crossing events reveals a large and persistent polar starspot. Such spots have previously been inferred using Doppler tomography, and predicted in simulations of magnetic activity of young Sun-like stars., United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Kepler Participating Scientist Program)

We present the validation and characterization of Kepler-61b: a 2.15 R_Earth planet orbiting near the inner edge of the habitable zone of a low-mass star. Our characterization of the host star Kepler-61 is based upon a comparison with the set of spectroscopically similar stars with directly-measured radii and temperatures. We apply a stellar prior drawn from the weighted mean of these properties, in tandem with the Kepler photometry, to infer a planetary radius for Kepler-61b of 2.15+/-0.13 R_Earth and an equilibrium temperature of 273+/-13 K (given its period of 59.87756+/-0.00020 days and assuming a planetary albedo of 0.3). The technique of leveraging the physical properties of nearby "proxy" stars allows for an independent check on stellar characterization via the traditional measurements with stellar spectra and evolutionary models. In this case, such a check had implications for the putative habitability of Kepler-61b: the planet is 10% warmer and larger than inferred from K-band spectral characterization. From the Kepler photometry, we estimate a stellar rotation period of 36 days, which implies a stellar age of >1 Gyr. We summarize the evidence for the planetary nature of the Kepler-61 transit signal, which we conclude is 30,000 times more likely to be due to a planet than a blend scenario. Finally, we discuss possible compositions for Kepler-61b with a comparison to theoretical models as well as to known exoplanets with similar radii and dynamically measured masses., 23 pages, 12 figures. Accepted for publication in ApJ

We show that, apart from having in common long intervals between large-amplitude outbursts (without intervening normal outbursts), soft X-ray transients (SXTs) and ‘‘tremendous outburst amplitude dwarf novae’’ (TOADs) have very similar optical light curves, showing glitches and superhumps during the main part of the outbursts, and considerable postoutburst activity in the form of one or more minioutbursts. We propose that thesesimilaritiesreflectthatbothSXTsandTOADshaveverysmallmassratiosandverylowmasstransferrates. TheoutburstsofSXTsandTOADsaretriggeredbyaviscousinstabilityandarealmostalwaysfollowedbyatidal instability during which superhumps develop. We suggest that the increased mass accretion during the glitches is caused by enhanced tidal dissipation. Subject headings: accretion, accretion disks—binaries: close—novae, cataclysmic variables— stars: individual (GRO J0422132, AL Comae Berenices, UZ Bootis)—X-rays: stars

The source EUVE J1429-38.0 was discovered serendipitously by the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) satellite on 1993 March 5. Optical spectroscopy confirms a cataclysmic variable-type optical counterpart for the source, showing Balmer, He I, and Ca emission, as well as strong He II emission. The optical spectrum, the apparent high/low state behavior, and possible weak cyclotron humps visible in the spectrum indicate that this star is likely to be an AM Herculis system, but the possibility of being a DQ Her, or an unlocked AM Her system, cannot be excluded. Analysis of the highly modulated EUVE photometry yields a period of 2 hr 22 minutes, which we conclude is the binary orbital period. In addition, a 57 minute period is also present. An orbital period of 2.5 hr would make EUVE J1429-38.0 only the third known AM Her system within the cataclysmic variable period gap, all three of which were discovered through EUV observations.

We report observations of a possible young transiting planet orbiting a previously known weak-lined T-Tauri star in the 7-10 Myr old Orion-OB1a/25-Ori region. The candidate was found as part of the Palomar Transient Factory (PTF) Orion project. It has a photometric transit period of 0.448413 +- 0.000040 days, and appears in both 2009 and 2010 PTF data. Follow-up low-precision radial velocity (RV) observations and adaptive optics imaging suggest that the star is not an eclipsing binary, and that it is unlikely that a background source is blended with the target and mimicking the observed transit. RV observations with the Hobby-Eberly and Keck telescopes yield an RV that has the same period as the photometric event, but is offset in phase from the transit center by approximately -0.22 periods. The amplitude (half range) of the RV variations is 2.4 km/s and is comparable with the expected RV amplitude that stellar spots could induce. The RV curve is likely dominated by stellar spot modulation and provides an upper limit to the projected companion mass of M_p sin i_orb < 4.8 +- 1.2 M_Jup; when combined with the orbital inclination, i orb, of the candidate planet from modeling of the transit light curve, we find an upper limit on the mass of the planetary candidate of M_p < 5.5 +- 1.4 M_Jup. This limit implies that the planet is orbiting close to, if not inside, its Roche limiting orbital radius, so that it may be undergoing active mass loss and evaporation., Corrected typos, minor clarifications; minor updates/corrections to affiliations and bibliography. 35 pages, 10 figures, 3 tables. Accepted to ApJ