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Register a new userComparisons of MHD Propeller Model with Observations of Cataclysmic Variable AE Aqr
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We have developed a numerical MHD model of the propeller candidate star AE Aqr using axisymmetric magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) simulations. We suggest that AE Aqr is an intermediate polar-type star, where the magnetic field is relatively weak and an accretion disc may form around the white dwarf. The star is in the propeller regime, and many of its observational properties are determined by the disc-magnetosphere interaction. Comparisons of the characteristics of the observed versus modelled AE Aqr star show that the model can explain many observational properties of AE Aqr. In a representative model, the magnetic field of the star is Bapprox 3.3x10^5 G and the time averaged accretion rate in the disc is 5.5times 10^{16} g/s. Most of this matter is ejected into conically-shaped winds. The numerical model explains the rapid spin-down of AE Aqr through the outflow of angular momentum from the surface of the star to the wind, corona and disc. The energy budget in the outflows, 9x10^{33} erg/s, is sufficient for explaining the observed flaring radiation in different wavebands. The time scale of ejections into the wind matches the short time scale variability in the light curves of AE Aqr.
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We report simultaneous observations of the flaring behaviour of the cataclysmic variable star AE Aqr. The observations are in Johnson B and V bands. The colour-magnitude diagrams (B-V versus V and B-V vs. B) show that the star becomes blues as it becomes brighter. In our model AE Aqr behaviour can be explained with flares (fireballs) with 0.03 < B-V < 0.30 and temperature in the interval 8000 < T < 12000.
AE Aqr objects are a class of cataclysmic variable stars in which the rapidly rotating magnetosphere of the white dwarf (WD) primary centrifugally expels most infalling gas before it can accrete onto the WD. The expulsion of the accretion flow via this magnetic propeller extracts angular momentum from the WD and produces large-amplitude, aperiodic flares in optical photometry. The eponymous AE Aqr is the only confirmed member of this class of object, but recently, Thorstensen (2020) discovered a candidate AE Aqr system: LAMOST J024048.51+195226.9. Using survey photometry, we measure a refined orbital period for this system and identify a shallow, previously unrecognized eclipse during which the systems frequent AE Aqr-like flaring episodes cease. A dedicated follow-up study is still necessary to test the proposed AE Aqr classification for LAMOST J024048.51+195226.9, but should it be confirmed, the eclipse of its flare-production region will offer a new means of studying the magnetic propeller phenomenon.
We provide a summary of results, obtained from a multiwavelength (TeV gamma-ray, X-ray, UV, optical, and radio) campaign of observations of AE Aqr conducted in 2005 August 28-September 2, on the nature and correlation of the flux variations in the various wavebands, the white dwarf spin evolution, the properties of the X-ray emission region, and the very low upper limits on the TeV gamma-ray flux.
We report simultaneous multicolour observations in 5 bands (UBVRI) of the flickering variability of the cataclysmic variable AE Aqr. Our aim is to estimate the parameters (colours, temperature, size) of the fireballs that produce the optical flares. The observed rise time of the optical flares is in the interval 220 - 440 sec. We estimate the dereddened colours of the fireballs: (U-B)_0 in the range 0.8-1.4, (B-V)_0 ~ 0.03-0.24, (V-I)_0 ~ 0.26-0.78. We find for the fireballs a temperature in the range 10000 - 25000 K, mass (7-90).10^{19} g, size (3-7).10^9 cm (using a distance of d=86 pc). These values refer to the peak of the flares observed in UBVRI bands. The data are available upon request from the authors.
Thorstensen (2020) recently argued that the cataclysmic variable (CV) LAMOST J024048.51+195226.9 may be a twin to the unique magnetic propeller system AE Aqr. If this is the case, two predictions are that it should display a short period white dwarf spin modulation, and that it should be a bright radio source. We obtained follow-up optical and radio observations of this CV, in order to see if this holds true. Our optical high-speed photometry does not reveal a white dwarf spin signal, but lacks the sensitivity to detect a modulation similar to the 33-s spin signal seen in AE Aqr. We detect the source in the radio, and measure a radio luminosity similar to that of AE Aqr and close to the highest so far reported for a CV. We also find good evidence for radio variability on a time scale of tens of minutes. Optical polarimetric observations produce no detection of linear or circular polarization. While we are not able to provide compelling evidence, our observations are all consistent with this object being a propeller system.
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