Open AccessRX J1039.7–0507: a new intermediate polar and probable recent nova, possessing a large reflection effect
Author(s) -
Woudt Patrick A.,
Warner Brian
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.058
H-Index - 383
eISSN - 1365-2966
pISSN - 0035-8711
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-8711.2003.06218.x
Subject(s) - physics , orbital period , astrophysics , white dwarf , cataclysmic variable star , photometry (optics) , amplitude , astronomy , sideband , optics , stars , quantum mechanics , microwave
The ROSAT source RX J1039.7−0507, known from its optical spectrum to be a cataclysmic variable star, is shown from high‐speed photometry to have an orbital period of 1.574 h. The system has a nearly sinusoidal photometric modulation with a range of 1.1 mag, which we interpret as the reflection effect caused by a very hot white dwarf primary. This suggests that a nova explosion occurred on the primary in the relatively recent past. In addition, RX J1039.7−0507 has periodic signals at 1932.5 and 721.9 s which, with the aid of other periods present at low amplitude, we interpret as an orbital sideband and the first harmonic of the spin period of the primary. RX J1039.7−0507 is therefore an intermediate polar with a spin period of 1444 s (24.07 min).