NSV 1907 - A new eclipsing, nova-like cataclysmic variable

TL;DR

NSV 1907 is identified as a deeply eclipsing, nova-like cataclysmic variable with complex variability patterns, including orbital eclipses, flickering, and potential disc precession, expanding understanding of such systems.

Contribution

This study classifies NSV 1907 as a new long-period SW Sextantis star based on detailed photometric and spectroscopic analysis, revealing its variability and accretion disc behavior.

Findings

Deep eclipses with a period of ~6.63 hours observed.

Possible sinusoidal variations indicating disc precession.

No outbursts or VY Scl-like drops detected.

Abstract

NSV 1907, formerly listed as an irregular variable in variability catalogues, was classified as an Algol-type eclipsing binary in the Catalina Surveys Periodic Variable Star Catalogue. We have identified NSV 1907 as an ultraviolet (UV) bright source using measurements from the GALEX space telescope and detected obvious out-of-eclipse variability in archival photometric data from the Catalina Sky Survey, which instigated a closer examination of the object. A spectrum and extensive multicolour photometric observations were acquired, from which we deduce that NSV 1907 is a deeply eclipsing, nova-like cataclysmic variable. Apart from the orbital variations (deep eclipses with a period of P ~ 6.63 hours), changes in mean brightness and irregular short-term variability (flickering) were observed. The presence of a secondary minimum at phase phi ~ 0.5 was established, which indicates a significant contribution of the companion star to the optical flux of the system. We find possible evidence for sinusoidal variations with a period of P ~ 4.2 d, which we interpret as the nodal precession period of the accretion disc. No outbursts or VY Scl-like drops in brightness were detected either by the CSS or during our photometric monitoring. Because of its spectral characteristics and the observed variability pattern, we propose NSV 1907 as a new moderately bright long-period SW Sextantis star. Further photometric and spectroscopic observations are encouraged.