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Hydrogen Depletion and the Evolution of Cataclysmic Variables to Low Mass X-Ray Binaries

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2016

R.E. Williams ,
M.M. Phillips  and
S.R. Heathcote
R.E. Williams
Affiliation:
National Optical Astronomy Observatories, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, La Serena, Chile
M.M. Phillips
Affiliation:
National Optical Astronomy Observatories, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, La Serena, Chile
S.R. Heathcote
Affiliation:
National Optical Astronomy Observatories, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, La Serena, Chile

Abstract

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Certain cataclysmic variables may evolve into low mass X-ray binaries if the white dwarfs can steadily accrete sufficient mass to exceed the Chandrasekhar limit. We present spectra of a recurrent nova and a low mass X-ray binary which are very similar to each other, and are also unusual for the strengths of the observed He II emission. We suggest that this similarity is not coincidental, but is evidence for an evolutionary link between the two classes of objects. A hydrogen depletion in the accreting gas is implied from the emission line fluxes, and may be an important parameter in determining whether accreted gas remains bound to the white dwarf, enabling eventual core collapse to occur.

Type
VII. Related Objects
Information
International Astronomical Union Colloquium , Volume 93: Cataclysmic Variables: Recent Multi-Frequency Observations and Theoretical Developments , 1987 , pp. 681 - 685
Copyright
Copyright © Reidel 1987

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