PTF1J2224+17: a short-period, high-field polar

TL;DR

This study presents detailed photometric observations of the polar PTF1J2224+17, revealing its short orbital period, high magnetic field, and variable accretion states, contributing to understanding magnetic cataclysmic variables.

Contribution

The paper provides the first detailed time-resolved photometry of PTF1J2224+17, confirming its classification as a high-field polar with a 103.82-minute period and estimating its magnetic field and accretion duty cycle.

Findings

Orbital period of 103.82 minutes identified.

Magnetic field strength estimated at ~65 MG.

Accretion duty cycle approximately 35%.

Abstract

We present time-resolved photometry of the cataclysmic variable (CV) PTF1J2224+17 obtained during 4 nights in October 2018 and January 2019 from Inastars observatory. The object is variable on a period of 103.82 min. Archival Catalina Real-Time Transient Survey (CRTS), PTF, and ZTF-data show frequent changes between high and low states. Based on its photometric properties and the cyclotron humps in the identification spectrum the object is certainly classified as an AM Herculis star (or polar) with a likely magnetic field strength of B ~ 65 MG. Its accretion duty cycle was estimated from nine years of photometric monitoring to be about 35 %.