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The Orbital Period Distribution of Cataclysmic Variables Found by the SDSS

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 April 2012

John Southworth ,
Boris T. Gänsicke  and
Elmé Breedt
John Southworth
Affiliation:
Astrophysics Group, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
Boris T. Gänsicke
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
Elmé Breedt
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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Abstract

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The orbital period is one of the most accessible observables of a cataclysmic variable. It has been a concern for many years that the orbital period distribution of the known systems does not match that predicted by evolutionary theory. The sample of objects discovered by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey has changed this: it shows the long-expected predominance of short-period objects termed the ‘period spike’. The minimum period remains in conflict with theory, suggesting that the angular momentum loss mechanisms are stronger than predicted.

Keywords

stars: dwarf novae — stars: novaecataclysmic variables – stars: white dwarfs

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