A multiwavelength study of the short-period cataclysmic variable V442 Ophiuchi.

Abstract

The results of a program of observations of the cataclysmic variable V442 Oph from UV to IR wavelengths are reported. The observations comprise IUE SWP and LWR-camera spectra from October, 1981; UBVr and R photometry at Manastash Ridge Observatory from August, 1980; UBV photometry and IR measurements at Kitt Peak from July, 1981; and Coudespectroscopy at Mt. Wilson from June, 1980, and at Mt Lemmon from July, 1982. Tables of data, plots of H-alpha and He-II radial velocity, sample spectra, light curves, and a log-log diagram of F(lambda) vs lambda are given. Flux-ratio analysis of the IR data indicates a disk with very little optically thin material anad an outer-edge temperature of about 7920 K. The calculated period (3.37 h) and mass-accretion rate (1 x 10 to the -8th solar mass/yr) are compared to those of similar objects, and V442 Oph is found to be similar in this respect to systems like H2252-035. Its lack of a rotational period and the weakness of the optical and UV line emissions, however, are more like the old nova V603 Aql.