Spectroscopic Confirmation of ASASSN-14bq and ASASSN-14br as Cataclysmic Variable Stars
ATel #6275; A. Wilber (ASU), A. Kaur (Clemson), A. Porter (Clemson), R. M. Wagner (LBTO/OSU), C. E. Woodward (Minnesota), S. G. Starrfield (ASU), and D. Hartmann (Clemson)
on 27 Jun 2014; 03:13 UT
Credential Certification: R. Mark Wagner (rmw@as.arizona.edu)
Subjects: Optical, Cataclysmic Variable, Transient
We obtained optical spectroscopy (range: 390-680 nm; resolution 0.3 nm) of ASASSN-14br and ASASSN-14bq on 2014 June 2.439 and 4.194 UT respectively with the MDM Observatory 2.4 m Hiltner telescope (+OSMOS) on Kitt Peak.
ASASSN-14br (discovered 2014 June 1.51) exhibits weak Hα emission with an equivalent width of 0.19 nm and a corrected FWHM of 273 km/s as well as broad Hβ and Hγ absorption lines (full width of 3550 km/s) with narrow emission cores superposed on a blue continuum. The long-term CRTS light curve shows variability with an amplitude of about 3 mag and maxima at about 15th mag. ASASSN-14br is a new dwarf nova cataclysmic variable discovered near maximum light.
ASASSN-bq (discovered 2014 June 1.12) exhibits emission lines of Hα and He II 468.6 nm as well as the C III/N III blend at 464.0-465.0 nm superposed on a blue continuum. Hβ is weak or absent in our spectrum. The equivalent width of Hα emission is 0.24 nm with a corrected FWHM of 314 km/s. The CRTS light curve shows that its quiescent magnitude is about 18.5 with frequent outbursts to 16th mag. Based on its spectrum and light curve, ASASSN-14bq is likely related to the class of nova-like cataclysmic variables.
Further observations are encouraged.
