Properties of the exceptionally long-period AM Herculis system RX J0515.41+0104.6

J. Frank, Louisiana State University
J. P. Lasota, DARC
G. Chanmugam, Louisiana State University

Abstract

We show that the properties of the recently discovered AM Her type cataclysmic variable RX J0515.41+0104.6 can be understood in terms of the standard evolutionary model, which accounts for both the near-synchronism at the observed period and the size of the mass-donor star. We find that either the system is in a low state long enough to bring the white dwarf to synchronism or that the magnetic field of the secondary is strong enough, but not unusually so (∼ 1 kG), to maintain synchronism at this period and the system may exhibit radio flares.