Paper detail

Kepler K2 Observations of the Intermediate Polar FO Aquarii

We present photometry of the intermediate polar FO Aquarii obtained as part of the K2 mission using the Kepler space telescope. The amplitude spectrum of the data confirms the orbital period of 4.8508(4) h, and the shape of the light curve is consistent with the outer edge of the accretion disk being eclipsed when folded on this period. The average flux of FO Aquarii changed during the observations, suggesting a change in the mass accretion rate. There is no evidence in the amplitude spectrum of a longer period that would suggest disk precession. The amplitude spectrum also shows the white dwarf spin period of 1254.3401(4) s, the beat period of 1351.329(2) s, and 31 other spin and orbital harmonics. The detected period is longer than the last reported period of 1254.284(16) s, suggesting that FO Aqr is now spinning down, and has a positive $\dot{P}$. There is no detectable variation in the spin period over the course of the K2 observations, but the phase of the spin cycle is correlated with the system brightness. We also find the amplitude of the beat signal is correlated with the system brightness.

preprint2016arXivOpen access

Signal facts

What is known right now

Open access8 authors1 topic

Next steps

Decide what to do with this paper

Use like or dislike for the fast social read. The more specific scholarly feedback stays available below when needed.

Log in to curate

Reading frame

Keep the important context close to the paper

Keep the important signals around this paper in one place: votes, save state, collection context, reviews and the metadata you need before deciding what to do next.

Institutions

Add specific reaction

Move through the context

Research map

Open full explorer

Move through nearby people, institutions, topics and adjacent work without leaving the paper page.

Building this map preview

BZPEER is loading the nearby papers, people, topics and institutions for this page.

Structured reviews

0 review(s)

ContributeLeave structured feedbackUse the review template when you have a concrete strength, concern or method question.Open review form

No structured reviews yet. High-signal critique starts here.

Work discussion

0 comment(s)

DiscussAdd a high-signal commentKeep quick notes, caveats and replication pointers separate from formal reviews.Open comment form

No discussion yet. The first strong comment sets the tone.