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| Paper: |
Filling up the period gap: RX J0803.4-4748, a new 137 minute polar |
| Volume: |
157, Annapolis Workshop on Magnetic Cataclysmic Variables |
| Page: |
139 |
| Authors: |
Schwarz, Robert; Greiner, Jochen |
| Abstract: |
We report the discovery of a new AM Herculis system as the counterpart of the bright and very soft X-ray source rx found serendipitously in a ROSAT PSPC pointing. Optical photometry showed deep (2 mag) variations with a period of ~137 min placing rx right into the period gap. The modulation can be interpreted in terms of cyclotron beaming and is very similar to that of other non-self-eclipsing polars, such as V834 Cen. Such a geometry is also supported by the X-ray light curve of a later HRI pointing which was lacking any pronounced faint-phase. Phase-resolved optical spectra are characterized by strong Balmer and He II lambda 4686 AA line emission superimposed onto a blue continuum, and reveal distinct cyclotron humps at certain phases. The field strength of 39 MG as derived from the separation of the harmonics is in agreement with that of other soft X-ray polars. |
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