Variable star near UGC 11800 is a new cataclysmic variable
ATel #573; D. C. Leonard (California Institute of Technology)
on 5 Aug 2005; 19:47 UT
Credential Certification: D. C. Leonard (leonard@astro.caltech.edu)
Subjects: Optical, Cataclysmic Variable
A CCD spectrum (range 340-900 nm), obtained on July 28 UT with the Keck I 10-m
telescope (+ LRISp), shows that the variable star reported by Baek & Li (IAUC
# 8574 ) near UGC 11800 is a new cataclysmic variable. There are no USNO B1.0
stars detected at the location of the CV. The spectrum is characterized by a
blue continuum with strong, broad, absorption Balmer lines evident from H_beta
to at least H_eta, with H_beta having an equivalent width of 0.5 nm and FWHM of
5.6 nm; the H_alpha feature is less distinct, as an emission core fills up much
of the absorption profile. Broad absorptions due to He I are also detected at
402.6, 447.1, 471.3, and 492.1 nm; the 447.1 nm feature possesses an equivalent
width of 0.12 nm. Narrow, unresolved absorptions due to Ca II K and Na I D,
with equivalent widths of 0.015 and 0.18 nm, respectively, are evident; these
are likely interstellar in origin (a reddening of E(B-V) = 0.31 mag is reported
by Schlegel, Finkbeiner and Davis (1998, Ap.J. 500, 525) for the entire dust
column through the Galaxy).
