Disks surrounding Cataclysmic Binaries
Abstract
Description
Observations of Cataclysmic Variables show a number of phenomena that do not fit easily into the standard magnetic braking scenario. These include the large spread in mass transfer rates, the low surface temperatures of many of the companion stars, and evidence for material at low velocities. We propose that these anomalies have a common cause: the presence of a circumbinary (CB) disk. This may be a significant component of mass transferring binaries in general. Direct detection of such CB disks may be possible but difficult, because of their low luminosity Disks surrounding Cataclysmic Binaries and spectral energy distribution peaking in the mid-IR.
7page summary of arguments for CB disks in CVs. To appear in proceedings of the Jan van Paradijs Memorial Symposium (publisher: PASP). 1 color fig
7page summary of arguments for CB disks in CVs. To appear in proceedings of the Jan van Paradijs Memorial Symposium (publisher: PASP). 1 color fig