Infrared Properties of Cataclysmic Variables from 2MASS: Results from the 2nd Incremental Data Release


Abstract in English

Because accretion-generated luminosity dominates the radiated energy of most cataclysmic variables, they have been ``traditionally observed primarily at short wavelengths. Infrared observations of cataclysmic variables contribute to the understanding of key system components that are expected to radiate at these wavelengths, such as the cool outer disk, accretion stream, and secondary star. We have compiled the J, H, and Ks photometry of all cataclysmic variables located in the sky coverage of the 2 Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) 2nd Incremental Data Release. This data comprises 251 systems with reliably identified near-IR counterparts and S/N > 10 photometry in one or more of the three near-IR bands.

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