12-15 July 2011
Saint George Hotel
Africa/Johannesburg timezone

X-ray Timing and Spectral Analysis of the Propeller Driven Pulsar-like White Dwarf AE Aquarii

14 Jul 2011, 17:00
2h
Asteria

Asteria

Poster Presentation Track D1 - Astrophysics Poster2

Speaker

Mr Bosco Oruru (University of the Free State)

Description

The highly transient multi-wavelength system AE Aqr consists of a fast rotating highly magnetic WD, accreting mass from a K3-5 secondary companion. This magnetic CV has a characteristic orbital period of 9.88 h, and is in a propeller state. The turbulent interaction between the fast spinning WD magnetosphere and the accretion flow is believed to play a crucial role in the multi-wavelength emission in the system. We have analysed the system's X-ray lightcurves and spectra from data observed with Chandra and Swift-XRT, and the results of this study show that the X-ray characteristics are unique. In this paper, the results of the analysis will be discussed, with the view to propose suitable models for the X-ray emission mechanisms.

Would you like to <br> submit a short paper <br> for the Conference <br> Proceedings (Yes / No)? Yes
Level (Hons, MSc, <br> &nbsp; PhD, other)? PhD
Consider for a student <br> &nbsp; award (Yes / No)? Yes

Primary author

Mr Bosco Oruru (University of the Free State)

Co-author

Prof. Pieter Johannes Meintjes (University of the Free State)

Presentation Materials