The magnetic system SMSS J1606−1000 as a period bouncer. Issue 1 (27th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kawka, Adela; Vennes, Stéphane; Ferrario, Lilia; Bessell, M S; Keller, S C; Paunzen, E; Buckley, D A H; Groenewald, D; Janík, J; Zejda, M
• Is Part Of: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Volume 507:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: L30
• Page End: L35
• Publication Date: 2021-07-27
• Subjects: binaries: spectroscopic -- stars: individual: SMSS J1606−1000 -- stars: magnetic field -- white dwarfs; Astronomy -- Research -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 520.5
• DOI: 10.1093/mnrasl/slab085
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-3933

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We report the discovery of a rare close binary system, SMSS J160639.78−100010.7, comprising a magnetic white dwarf with a field of about 30 MG and a brown dwarf. We measured an orbital period of 92 min which is consistent with the photometric period. Minimum and maximum light occur at the orbital quadratures Φ = 0.25 and 0.75, respectively, and cannot be caused by reflection on the brown dwarf, but, instead, by a spot on the synchronously rotating magnetic white dwarf. The brown dwarf does not fill its Roche lobe and the system may be in a low-accretion state or, more likely, in a detached state following episodes of mass transfer. SMSS J160639.78−100010.7 is the nearest known magnetic white dwarf plus brown dwarf system.