2 research outputs found
MN Draconis - peculiar, active dwarf nova in the period gap
Context: We present results of an extensive world-wide observing campaign of
MN Draconis.
Aims: MN Draconis is a poorly known active dwarf nova in the period gap and
is one of the only two known cases of period gap SU UMa objects showing the
negative superhumps. Photometric behaviour of MN Draconis poses a challenge for
existing models of the superhump and superoutburst mechanisms. Therefore,
thorough investigation of peculiar systems, such as MN Draconis, is crucial for
our understanding of evolution of the close binary stars.
Methods: To measure fundamental parameters of the system, we collected
photometric data in October 2009, June-September 2013 and June-December 2015.
Analysis of the light curves, diagrams and power spectra was carried out.
Results: During our three observational seasons we detected four
superoutburts and several normal outbursts. Based on the two consecutive
superoutbursts detected in 2015, the supercycle length was derived P_sc = 74
+/- 0.5 days and it has been increasing with a rate of P_dot = 3.3 x 10^(-3)
during last twelve years. Based on the positive and negative superhumps we
calculated the period excess epsilon = 5.6% +/- 0.1%, the period deficit
epsilon_ = 2.5% +/- 0.6%, and in result, the orbital period P_orb = 0.0994(1)
days (143.126 +/- 0.144 min). We updated the basic light curve parameters of MN
Draconis.
Conclusions: MN Draconis is the first discovered SU UMa system in the period
gap with increasing supercycle length.Comment: 14 pages, 20 figures, 8 tables, accepted for publication in Astronomy
and Astrophysic