On the Triple Nature of the Cataclysmic Variable VY Sculptoris

Martínez-Pais, I. G.; Martín-Hernández, N. L.; Casares, J.; Rodríguez-Gil, P.
Bibliographical reference

The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 538, Issue 1, pp. 315-325.

Advertised on:
7
2000
Number of authors
4
IAC number of authors
3
Citations
14
Refereed citations
13
Description
The study of the Balmer radial velocity curve of the cataclysmic variable (CV) VY Scl has revealed a new value for the orbital period (0.232 days), which significantly differs from the previously accepted one. It also shows a gamma modulation that is compatible with the presence of a third component, indicating that this object could be a hierarchical triple system. The CV is a low-inclination (i~30deg) system with a massive white dwarf (M1~1.2 Msolar). There are two possibilities for the nature of the hypothetical third component: either a >=0.8 Msolar star or a low-luminosity higher mass star (probably a compact object). The value for the period of the third object orbit would be ~5.8 days, which makes the triple system dynamically stable.