Orbital Periods and Waveforms of Dwarf Novae Observed by Kepler

TL;DR

This study utilizes Kepler's high cadence data to accurately measure orbital periods and analyze waveforms of five dwarf novae, revealing near-sinusoidal patterns and waveform variations linked to brightness changes.

Contribution

First precise orbital period measurement of V1504 Cyg using Kepler data, and detailed waveform analysis of five dwarf novae.

Findings

V1504 Cyg's period is significantly refined.

Short period systems show nearly sinusoidal waveforms.

KIC 9202990 exhibits brightness-dependent waveform variations.

Abstract

Kepler high cadence data are used to measure the orbital periods and to determine the orbital waveforms of five dwarf novae. A significant improvement of the period of V1504 Cyg is achieved, while for the other systems periods are derived which are compatible with previous determinations. The orbital waveforms of the short period systems V1504 Cyg, V344 Lyr and V516 Lyr are very nearly sinusoidal, while the longer period dwarf nova V447 Lyr appears almost to be a twin of U Gem. The unusual system KIC 9202990 exhibits distinct variations of its waveform as a function of brightness during its outburst cycle.