Publication details

EPIC 206197016: A very hot white dwarf orbited by a strongly irradiated red dwarf

Authors

KRTIČKA Jiří KAWKA Adela MIKULÁŠEK Zdeněk FOSSATI Luca KRTIČKOVÁ Iva PRVÁK Milan JANÍK Jan LIPTAJ Richard ZEJDA Miloslav PAUNZEN Ernst

Year of publication 2023
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source Astronomy and Astrophysics
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Science

Citation
Web https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/pdf/2023/06/aa45551-22.pdf
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202245551
Keywords white dwarfs; stars: variables: general; binaries: spectroscopic; stars: atmospheres
Description Context. Very precise satellite photometry has revealed a large number of variable stars whose variability is caused either by surface spots or by binarity. Detailed studies of such variables provide insights into the physics of these objects. Aims. We study the nature of the periodic light variability of the white dwarf EPIC 206197016 that was observed by the K2 mission. Methods. We obtain phase-resolved medium-resolution spectroscopy of EPIC 206197016 using X-shooter spectrograph at VLT to understand the nature of the white dwarf variability. We use non-local thermodynamical equilibrium model atmospheres to determine stellar parameters at individual phases. Results. EPIC 206197016 is a hot DA white dwarf with T-eff = 78 kK. The analysis of the spectra reveals periodic radial velocity variations that can result from gravitational interaction with an invisible secondary whose mass corresponds to a red dwarf. The close proximity of the two stars where the semimajor axis is about 3 R-circle dot results in the irradiation of the companion with temperatures more than twice as high on the illuminated side compared to the nonilluminated hemisphere. This effect can explain the observed light variations. The spectra of the white dwarf show a particular feature of the Balmer lines called the Balmer line problem, where the observed cores of the lower Balmer lines are deeper than predicted. This can be attributed to either weak pollution of hydrogen in the white dwarf atmosphere by heavy elements or to the presence of a circumstellar cloud or disk.

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