SDSS J210014.12+004446.0: A New Dwarf Nova with Quiescent Superhumps?

Abstract

We report follow-up observations of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Cataclysmic Variable SDSS J210014.12+004446.0 (hereafter SDSS J2100). We obtained photometry and spectroscopy in both outburst and quiescent states, providing the first quiescent spectrum of this source. In both states, non-sinusoidal photometric modulations are apparent, suggestive of superhumps, placing SDSS J2100 in the SU UMa subclass of dwarf novae. However, the periods during outburst and quiescence differ significantly, being 2.099 plus or minus 0.002 hr and 1.96 plus or minus 0.02 hr respectively. Our phase-resolved spectroscopy during outburst yielded an estimate of about 2 hr for the orbital period, consistent with the photometry. The presence of the shorter period modulation at quiescence is unusual, but not unique. Another atypical feature is the relative weakness of the Balmer emission lines in quiescence. Overall, we find a close similarity between SDSS J2100 and the well-studied superhump cataclysmic Variable V503 Cygni. By analogy, we suggest that the quiescent modulation is due to a tilted accretion disk -- producing negative superhumps -- and the modulation in outburst is due to positive superhumps from the precession of an elliptical disk.Comment: 6 pages, 5 eps figures, accepted by PASP Dec. 16th, 200