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High-speed photometry of the eclipsing polar UZ Fornacis.

Authors :
Khangale, Z. N.
Potter, S. B.
Kotze, E. J.
Woudt, P. A.
Breytenbach, H.
Source :
Astronomy & Astrophysics / Astronomie et Astrophysique; Jan2019, Vol. 621, pN.PAG-N.PAG, 11p
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

We present 33 new mid-eclipse times spanning approximately eight years of the eclipsing polar UZ Fornacis. We have used our new observations to test the two-planet model previously proposed to explain the variations in its eclipse times measured over the past ~35 yr. We find that the proposed model does indeed follow the general trend of the new eclipse times, however, there are significant departures. In order to accommodate the new eclipse times, the two-planet model requires that one or both of the planets require highly eccentric orbits, that is, e ≥ 0.4. Such multiple planet orbits are considered to be unstable. Whilst our new observations are consistent with two cyclic variations as previously predicted, significant residuals remain. We conclude that either additional cyclic terms, possibly associated with more planets, or other mechanisms, such as the Applegate mechanism are contributing to the eclipse time variations. Further long-term monitoring is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00046361
Volume :
621
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Astronomy & Astrophysics / Astronomie et Astrophysique
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
134782373
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201834039