A model for the optical flares from the Galactic tran-sient SWIFT J195509+261406

TL;DR

This paper proposes a model linking optical flares from the transient SWIFT J195509+261406 to collisions between planets orbiting a white dwarf, explaining observed features through cyclotron radiation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel model associating optical flares with planetary collisions around a white dwarf, explaining the flare mechanism and timing.

Findings

The model explains the timing and intensity of optical flares.

Collision-triggered cyclotron radiation accounts for observed features.

White dwarf planetary collision as a flare source is supported.

Abstract

The Galactic hard X-ray transient SWIFT J195509+261406 was first observed as a gamma-ray burst GRB 070610. Within 3 days after the burst, more than forty optical flares had been observed. Here we propose that this peculiar event should be associated with a white dwarf. The hard X-ray burst itself may be triggered by the collision between two planets orbiting the white dwarf. Some cracked frag-ments produced in the collision then fall onto the surface of the white dwarf in several days, giving birth to the observed optical flares via cyclotron radiation. Our model can satisfactorily explain the basic features of the observations.