X-ray, UV, and optical observations of the dwarf nova BV Puppis.

Abstract

The authors present quiescent state optical-to-IR photometry and IUE and optical spectroscopy as well as midstate EXOSAT and optical spectroscopy which indicate some unusual properties of this little-studied dwarf nova. The observed 2 - 6 keV X-ray flux of 4 - 5×10^-12ergs cm^-2sec^-1 is high for a system at outburst. The relatively flat slope (-1.3) of the flux distribution at quiescence implies a moderately low accretion rate for a 14th - 15th mag object, while the abnormal UV line spectrum implies a different geometry/opacity for the line emission zone as compared to normal dwarf novae. The optical light curve shows a modulation indicative of an orbital period on the order of 4 hrs.