Statistical properties of dwarf novae-type cataclysmic variables: The Outburst Catalogue

TL;DR

This paper presents the Outburst Catalogue, a comprehensive dataset of observational properties for 722 dwarf nova-type cataclysmic variables, enabling statistical analysis of their behavior and evolution.

Contribution

The paper introduces the largest collection of dwarf nova properties, including a classification script, and identifies correlations between their outburst and orbital characteristics.

Findings

Correlation between duty cycle and orbital period

Relationship between quiescent magnitude and orbital period

Largest dataset of dwarf nova properties to date

Abstract

The Outburst Catalogue contains a wide variety of observational properties for 722 dwarf nova-type (DN) cataclysmic variables (CVs) and 309 CVs of other types from the Catalina Real-time Transient Survey. In particular, it includes the apparent outburst and quiescent V-band magnitudes, duty cycles, limits on the recurrence time, upper- and lower-limits on the distance and absolute quiescent magnitudes, colour information, orbital parameters, and X-ray counterparts. These properties were determined by means of a classification script presented in this paper. The DN in the catalogue show a correlation between the outburst duty cycle and the orbital period (and outburst recurrence time), as well as between the quiescent absolute magnitude and the orbital period (and duty cycle). This is the largest sample of dwarf nova properties collected to date. Besides serving as a useful reference for individual systems and a means of selecting objects for targeted studies, it will prove valuable for statistical studies that aim to shed light on the formation and evolution of cataclysmic variables.