Discovery of a New Cataclysmic Variable, GALEX J211240.9–422959, via the Exoasteroids Citizen Science Project

Le résumé fourni par la source

Abstract We report the discovery and spectroscopic classification of a new cataclysmic variable (CV), GALEX J211240.9–422959 (Gaia DR3 source ID 6580244356829724928). This object was initially identified as a source exhibiting strong mid-infrared variability in Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) time-series data by a volunteer participating in the Exoasteroids citizen science project. Prompted by this strong variability at 3–5 μ m, we obtained a follow-up optical spectrum using the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph at the Gemini South Observatory. The resulting spectrum displays a blue continuum dominated by strong, broad emission lines of the hydrogen Balmer series and neutral helium, spectral signatures characteristic of an accreting white dwarf in a CV system. The GALEX J211240.9–422959 WISE light curve contains an infrared outburst peaking in 2016 that lacks a corresponding optical outburst. More follow-up is needed to understand the physical mechanism driving this object’s infrared and optical behavior.

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