arXiv subjects

Nikita Rawat

Publications and source records attributed to Nikita Rawat.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

The X-ray and optical emission of the intermediate polar Swift J0614.0+1709

We present the first detailed X-ray and optical study of the intermediate polar Swift J0614.0+1709 based on a pointed XMM-Newton observation complemented by long-term optical photometry from TESS. A strong coherent modulation at the white dwarf spin period was detected in X-rays, with a period of $\sim$1411 s, confirming the magnetic nature of the system. The X-ray spin pulse exhibits a pronounced energy dependence, with the modulation amplitude decreasing towards higher energies, consistent with phase-dependent absorption in the accretion flow. Phase-resolved spectroscopy further shows that the spin variability is primarily driven by changes in the covering fraction of the partial-covering absorber. The broadband X-ray spectrum is well described by a partially absorbed thermal plasma model with a temperature of $\sim$12 keV and a soft blackbody component at $\sim$63 eV. The inferred bolometric luminosity of $\sim$5$\times$10$^{34}$ erg s$^{-1}$ places the source among the more luminous intermediate polars. The TESS observations reveal substantial sector-to-sector variability in the relative strengths of the orbital and spin modulations. While the spin signal remains persistently dominant, the beat modulation varies significantly and disappears entirely in one Sector, suggesting temporal changes in the contribution of the reprocessing region(s). The orbital and, to a lesser extent, spin modulation amplitudes show some tendency to be stronger during brighter optical states, suggesting that changes in the mass transfer rate may influence the optical emission and modulation amplitudes. Overall, Swift J0614.0+1709 is a comparatively X-ray luminous intermediate polar exhibiting complex optical variability characterised by changes in pulse morphology and recurrent brightening events, making it a valuable target for future simultaneous optical and X-ray studies.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Commissioning and on-sky performance of FiberPol: a fiber-fed spectropolarimetric system for the SAAO 1.9 m telescope

At the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), we have developed FiberPol$-$ a spectropolarimetric front-end for the SpUpNIC spectrograph on the 1.9 m telescope fed by fibers. In conjunction with SpUpNIC, it combines two niche techniques: fiber-spectroscopy and polarimetry to enable a wide range of science cases, particularly for studies of the interstellar medium, and serves as a technology pathfinder for implementing polarimetry larger facilities such as the 10 m Southern African Large Telescope. Commissioned in early 2025, FiberPol has already demonstrated key performance benchmarks. Based on a preliminary data reduction pipeline, we find that the uncertainties in the measured Stokes parameters $q$ and $u$, and the degree of polarization $p$ are in the range of 0.2% to 0.3% in 5 nm spectral bins across the 400 to 700 nm wavelength range. With improved calibration and refined analysis, we expect to reach our design goal of 0.1% accuracy per bin. Several science programs are already underway following its successful commissioning. FiberPol employs a Wollaston prism and half wave plate system to analyze linear polarization and extract spectropolarimetric data comprising wavelength ($λ$) and the Stokes parameters ($I$, $q$ and $u$). Its compact and modular design uses primarily small, commercially available optical and optomechanical components, making it straightforward to adapt to other spectrographs, including those on larger telescopes. This paper presents the design, laboratory validation, and commissioning results of FiberPol, and outlines planned upgrades to further enhance its scientific impact.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2026

SRGA J115215.0$-$510656: an unusual long-period eclipsing dwarf nova with disc wind signatures

We present the first detailed optical study of the cataclysmic variable SRGA J115215.0$-$510656, based on new time-resolved photometric and spectroscopic observations complemented by long-baseline Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) data. The TESS light curve reveals deep, recurring eclipses consistent with a high-inclination geometry and an orbital period of 0.43567659(9)d. The eclipse morphology during outburst is consistent with a possible 'inside-out' type outburst and supports classification of the system as a U Gem-type dwarf nova. By combining eclipse phase width and ellipsoidal modulation, we constrain the system geometry to a narrow locus in the $(q,i)$ plane, with allowed mass ratios $0.28 \lesssim q \lesssim 0.84$ and inclinations $i$ $\simeq$75$-$84$^{\circ}$. The persistence of single-peaked Balmer lines during outburst, together with strong He II emission and a flattened Balmer decrement, points towards emission arising in a disc wind or vertically extended regions above the disc. Absorption features from a late-type secondary star (approximately K3) are detected, contributing roughly 30 per cent of the red optical flux. Comparison with main-sequence expectations suggests that the donor star is moderately inflated, consistent with a mildly evolved secondary. With its long orbital period, modest outburst amplitude, and emission-line characteristics, SRGA J115215.0$-$510656 appears to be a rare and compelling example of a bright, long-period dwarf nova whose optical properties are influenced by disc-wind processes during outburst.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2026

A Catalogue of Orbital Periods of Cataclysmic Variables and Candidates from TESS Observations

We present a systematic analysis of 2544 cataclysmic variable systems and related candidates observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), with the aim of compiling a comprehensive catalogue of orbital periods. Using 2-minute photometric time-series data, we applied an automated algorithm to generate Lomb-Scargle periodograms and identify the most significant coherent periodic signals, which were subsequently verified through visual inspection. This process yielded a confident sample of 910 sources exhibiting at least one periodic signal, hereafter referred to as the Cataclysmic Variable Confident Catalogue (CCC). For each object, we report the most likely orbital period together with additional periodic features such as spin modulations and/or superhump signals when present. To assess consistency with previously published measurements, we cross-matched the CCC with the Ritter \& Kolb catalogue, identifying 300 overlapping systems, of which 215 showed full agreement with the R\&K orbital periods, while 39 displayed discrepancies for which the R\&K values were revised based on our TESS measurements and supporting evidence from the literature. Overall, the CCC provides a means to validate known orbital periods, propose corrections where necessary, and offer new determinations for systems with previously unknown periods, thereby supporting a more complete and reliable characterisation of the cataclysmic variable population.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2026

A probable inside-out dwarf nova outburst from the period bouncer candidate ASASSN-25dc

We report optical time-resolved photometric observations of a newly-discovered outbursting system, ASASSN-25dc. Its 8-mag amplitude, 40-day duration, 1-mag dip in the outburst plateau, and positive superhumps are characteristic of a dwarf nova superoutburst in a non-magnetic cataclysmic variable. We establish its stage-A and stage-B superhump periods as 0.059387(5) d and 0.058864(3) d, respectively. The negative superhump period derivative ($-$1.4(2)$\times10^{-5}$ cycle$^{-1}$) during the stage-B superhumps and the empirical relation indicate the mass ratio is 0.054(7), below the period bounce range. The long outburst decline timescale (35.2(1) d mag$^{-1}$) and small superhump amplitude ($\simeq$0.08 mag) observed in ASASSN-25dc are also seen in some period bouncer systems, but not seen in systems well before the period bounce. Despite its short superhump period and indicated small mass ratio, we find no evidence of the excitement of the 2:1 tidal resonance. Moreover, its outburst rise timescale (1.62(9) d mag$^{-1}$) is significantly longer than those measured at less than 0.4 d mag$^{-1}$ in other dwarf nova outbursts around the period minimum. Overall, an inside-out dwarf nova outburst from a massive disc in a system with a mass ratio around or even below the period minimum, but lacking the 2:1 tidal resonance, may explain all these observations. However, this challenges the existing models of dwarf nova superoutbursts, which do not predict these outburst properties in low-mass-ratio systems.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2026

V515 And: An Intermediate Polar in the Period Gap Exhibiting Outbursts

Using long-term observations from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) along with spectroscopic observations from the 3.6 m Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT), we present a comprehensive time-series and spectral analysis of the intermediate polar V515 And. Our analysis reveals that V515 And resides within the period gap, with the detection of its orbital period of 2.73116 h. Additionally, we confirm the earlier findings of the spin and beat periods to be 465.4721 s and 488.6067 s, respectively. The time-resolved timing analysis reveals that V515 And undergoes changes in its accretion geometry, not only between different TESS sectors but also within individual sector observations. The system exhibits a transition in the dominant accretion mode, switching between disc-fed and stream-fed accretion. In the TESS light curve, we identify two successive outburst-like episodes, each persisting for roughly a day and reaching peak luminosities of $2.7\times10^{33}$ and $1.9\times10^{33}$ erg s$^{-1}$. Our analysis suggests that these bursts belong to the recently proposed class of micronovae. The optical spectrum of V515 And is characterised by strong Balmer and He II emission lines and shows an inverse Balmer decrement indicating the magnetic nature of the source.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2025

An extremely fast fading population II dwarf nova candidate: caught spectroscopically on the rise

We present AT2022kak, a rapidly evolving optical transient discovered by the KiloNova and Transients Program (KNTraP). This interesting burst exhibited extremely fast evolution, with a large amplitude blue outburst of m > 3.3 in a single night, and a rapid fade back to quiescence in the following two nights. We deployed a multi-wavelength follow-up campaign, monitoring the object for the next two months, but saw no recurrent burst. Three years later, while observing to get spectroscopy of the object in quiescence, there was a new outburst, enabling the collection of time-resolved spectra of the rise and fade of the outburst. The light curve properties of the first burst and spectra of the second burst are consistent with a dwarf nova. Its fast evolving behaviour makes it one of the fastest and faintest dwarf novae observed. The estimated distance of AT2022kak from the Galactic centre is ~6.6 kpc, with a scale height of ~2 kpc. This scale height places it in the Galactic thick disk, where only very few dwarf novae have been found, and is therefore a potential Population II dwarf novae system.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2025

Long-term Optical Photometry of V709 Cas Using TESS : Refined Periods and Accretion Geometry

Utilizing high-cadence and long-term optical photometry from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS ), we conducted a time-resolved timing analysis of the Intermediate Polar, V709 Cas. Our analysis reveals key characteristics of this system: an orbital period of 5.3329 $\pm$ 0.0002 h, a spin period of 312.7478 $\pm$ 0.0002 s, and a beat period of 317.9267 $\pm$ 0.0002 s. These periods represent a significant refinement over the results of previous studies. These analyses demonstrate that V709 Cas is primarily a disc-overflow accretor, with accretion predominantly occurring via a disc. However, the analysis also reveals epochs where stream-fed accretion is a dominant accretion process. Time-resolved analysis of 20 s short cadence data obtained from sectors 57 and 58 reveals the presence of distinct first harmonics of the spin and beat frequencies. This finding indicates the presence of double peak spin modulation, a characteristic signature of two-pole accretion onto the white dwarf.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2025

Precise Timing Analysis of Four Magnetic Cataclysmic Variables with TESS

We analysed high time-resolution optical photometric data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) to study the timing behaviour of four intermediate polar-like objects, namely, V1460 Her, 1RXS J045707.4+452751, Swift J0958.0-4208, and V842 Cen. In the case of V1460 Her, we refined the measurement of its orbital period. Long-term observations suggest a gradual decrease in the orbital period of V1460 Her, and the stable light curve during the TESS observations indicates its quiescent state. We detected a beat period of 1290.6 $\pm$ 0.5 s for the first time for the source 1RXS J045707.4+452751, suggesting a possible disc-overflow accretion scenario. For the sources Swift J0958.0-4208 and V842 Cen, we determined periods 6.11 $\pm$ 0.02 h and 3.555 $\pm$ 0.005 h, respectively, which can be provisionally suggested to be orbital periods. These findings provide valuable insights into the accretion processes and long-term evolution of these intriguing binary systems.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2024

Indications of magnetic accretion in Swift J0826.2-7033

We present our findings from the first long X-ray observation of the hard X-ray source Swift J0826.2-7033 with XMM-Newton, which has shown characteristics of magnetic accretion. The system appears to have a long orbital period (~7.8 h) accompanied by short timescale variabilities, which we tentatively interpret as the spin and beat periods of an intermediate polar. These short- and long-timescale modulations are energy-independent, suggesting that photoelectric absorption does not play any role in producing the variabilities. If our suspected spin and beat periods are true, then Swift J0826.2-7033 accretes via disc-overflow with an equal fraction of accretion taking place via disc and stream. The XMM-Newton and Swift-BAT spectral analysis reveals that the post-shock region in Swift J0826.2-7033 has a multi-temperature structure with a maximum temperature of ~43 keV, which is absorbed by a material with an average equivalent hydrogen column density of ~1.6$\times$10$^{22}$ cm$^{-2}$ that partially covers ~27% of the X-ray source. The suprasolar abundances, with hints of an evolved donor, collectively make Swift J0826.2-7033 an interesting target, which likely underwent a thermal timescale mass transfer phase.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Unveiling the nature of two dwarf novae: CRTS J080846.2+313106 and V416 Dra

We present the analysis of optical photometric and spectroscopic observations of two non-magnetic cataclysmic variables, namely CRTS J080846.2+313106 and V416 Dra. CRTS J080846.2+313106 has been found to vary with a period of 4.9116$\pm$0.0003 h, which was not found in earlier studies and is provisionally suggested as the orbital period of the system. In both long-period systems, the observed dominant signal at second harmonic of the orbital frequency and the orbital modulation during quiescence are suggestive of ellipsoidal variation from changing aspects of the secondary, with an additional contribution from the accretion stream or hotspot. However, during the outburst, the hotspot itself is overwhelmed by the increased brightness, which is possibly associated with the accretion disc. The mid-eclipse phase for V416 Dra occurs earlier and the width of the eclipse is greater during outbursts compared to quiescence, suggesting an increased accretion disc radius during outbursts. Furthermore, the investigation of accretion disc eclipse in V416 Dra implies that a total disc eclipse is possible during quiescence, whereas the disc seems to be partially obscured during outbursts, which further signifies that the disc may grow in size as the outburst progresses. Optical spectra of CRTS J080846.2+313106 and V416 Dra are typical of dwarf novae during quiescence, and they both show a significant contribution from the M2-4V secondary. The light curve patterns, orbital periods, and spectra observed in both systems look remarkably similar, and seem to resemble the characteristics of U Gem-type dwarf novae.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2023

AstroSat investigation of X-ray flares on two active K-M systems: CC Eri and AB Dor

We present an X-ray and UV investigation of five X-ray flares detected on two active systems, CC Eri and AB Dor, using the AstroSat observatory. The peak X-ray luminosities of the flares in the 0.3$-$7.0 keV band are found to be within 10$^{31-33}$ erg s$^{-1}$. Preliminary spectral analysis indicates the presence of three and four-temperature corona for CC Eri and AB Dor, respectively, where the highest temperature is found to vary with flare. The flare temperatures peaked at 51$-$59 MK for CC Eri and 29$-$44 MK for AB Dor. The peak emission measures of the flaring loops are estimated to be $\sim$10$^{54}$ for CC Eri and $\sim$10$^{55}$ cm$^{-3}$ for AB Dor. Global metallic abundances were also found to increase during flares.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2023

Probable low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations in blazars from the ZTF survey

We investigate the possible presence of quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) signals in 2103 blazars from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) time-domain survey. We detect a low-frequency QPO signal in five blazars observed over these 3.8-year-long optical r-band ZTF light curves. These periods range from 144 days to 196 days detected at $\gtrsim 4σ$ significance levels in both the Lomb-Scargle periodogram and Weighted Wavelet Z-transform analyses. We find consistent results using the phase dispersion minimization technique. A similar peak is detected in the g-band light curves at a slightly lower significance of 3$σ$. Such nearly periodic signals on these timescales in optical wavebands most likely originate from a precessing jet with high Lorentz factor, closely aligned to the observer's line of sight or the movement of plasma blobs along a helical structure in the jet.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2023

X-ray observations of the Intermediate Polar TX Col

We present the timing analysis of the intermediate polar TX Col in the X-ray band using the observations made by Chandra, Swift, and Suzaku during the years 2000, 2007, and 2009, respectively. The spin, orbital, and beat periods derived from these data are consistent with the earlier findings. We found that the spin modulation was dominant during the Chandra observation, whereas both orbital and beat modulations were dominant during the Swift and Suzaku observations. These findings and past X-ray observations indicate that TX Col is changing its accretion geometry from disc dominance to stream dominance and vice versa.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

Timing Analysis of the Intermediate Polar V709 Cas

We have carried detailed time-resolved timing analysis of an intermediate polar V709 Cas using the long-baseline, short-cadence optical photometric data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. We found an orbital period of 5.3341 $\pm$ 0.0004 hr, a spin period of 312.75 $\pm$ 0.02 sec, and a beat period of 317.93 $\pm$ 0.03 sec, which is similar to the earlier published results. From the continuous high cadence data, we found that V709 Cas is a disc overflow system with disc-fed dominance.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2023

A preliminary timing analysis of two intermediate polars: UU Col and Swift J0939.7-3224

We present the preliminary timing analysis of confirmed intermediate polar UU Col and possible intermediate polar Swift J0939.7-3224 in the optical band with the help of long-term, high-cadence continuous photometry from Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). For UU Col, we revise previously reported orbital and spin periods as 3.464 $\pm$ 0.005 h and 863.74 $\pm$ 0.08 s, respectively. Using the second harmonic of the beat frequency, the beat period is estimated as $\sim$928 s. These findings indicate that UU Col is a disc-fed dominated disc-overflow accretor. For J0939, we establish the spin period as 2671.8 $\pm$ 0.8 s and refine the provisionally suggested orbital period as 8.49 $\pm$ 0.03 h. The absence of beat frequency in J0939 signifies that it might be a pure disc-fed accretor; however, an X-ray study of this source will help to understand its true nature.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2023

Unravelling optical and X-ray properties of the disc-dominated intermediate polar IGR J15094-6649

We present analyses of an Intermediate Polar, IGR J15094-6649, based on the archival optical data obtained from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and X-ray data obtained from the Suzaku, NuSTAR, and Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory (Swift). Present analysis confirms and refines the previously reported spin period of IGR J15094-6649 as 809.49584$\pm$0.00075 s. Clear evidence of a beat period of 841.67376$\pm$0.00082 s is found during the long-term TESS optical observations, which was not evident in the earlier studies. The dominance of X-ray and optical spin pulse unveils the disc-fed dominance accretion, however, the presence of an additional beat frequency indicates that part of the accreting material also flows along the magnetic field lines. The energy-dependent spin pulsations in the low (< 10 keV) energy band are due to the photoelectric absorption in the accretion flow. However, the complex absorbers may be responsible to produce low amplitude spin modulations via Compton scattering in the hard ( > 10 keV) energy band and indicate that the height of the X-ray emitting region may be negligible. The observed double-humped X-ray profiles with a pronounced dip are indicative of the photoelectric absorption in the intervening accretion stream. Analysis of the X-ray spectra reveals the complexity of the X-ray emission, being composed of multi-temperature plasma components with a soft excess, reflection, and suffers from strong absorption.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

Confirmation of two magnetic cataclysmic variables as polars: 1RXS J174320.1-042953 and YY Sex

We present our analysis of new and archived observations of two candidate magnetic cataclysmic variables, namely 1RXS J174320.1-042953 and YY Sex. 1RXS J174320.1-042953 was observed in two distinctive high and low states where a phase shift was seen, which could be due to the changes in the shape, size, and (or) location of the accretion region. We find that its orbital X-ray modulations only persist in the soft (0.3-2.0 keV) energy band, which could be attributed to the photoelectric absorption in the accretion flow. The X-ray spectra exhibit a multi-temperature post-shock region where the hard X-rays are absorbed through a thick absorber with an equivalent hydrogen column of $\sim$7.5 $\times$ 10$^{23}$ cm$^{-2}$, which partially covers $\sim$56 per cent of the emission. No soft X-ray excess was found to be present; however, a soft X-ray emission with a blackbody temperature of $\sim$97 eV describes the spectra. Extensive TESS observations of YY Sex allow us to refine its orbital period to 1.5746 $\pm$ 0.0011 h. We did not find any signature of previously reported spin or beat periods in this system. Furthermore, our new polarimetric observations show clear circular polarization modulated on the orbital period only. Finally, both systems show strong Balmer and He II 4686 A$^\circ$ emission lines in the optical spectra, further indicative of their magnetic nature.

astro-ph.HE↗