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A New Clue to the Transition Mechanism between Optical High and Low States of the Supersoft X-Ray Source RX J0513.9–6951, Implied By the Recurrent Nova CI Aquilae 2000 Outburst Model

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Izumi Hachisu1 and Mariko Kato2

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We have found a new clue to the transition mechanism between optical high/X-ray off and optical low/X-ray on states of the LMC supersoft X-ray source RX J0513.9-6951. A sharp ~1 mag drop is common to the CI Aql 2000 outburst. These drops are naturally attributed to the cessation of optically thick winds on white dwarfs. A detailed light-curve analysis of CI Aql indicates that the size of a disk drastically shrinks when the wind stops. This causes a ~1-2 mag drop in the optical light curve. In RX J0513.9-6951, the same mechanism reproduces sharp ~1 mag drop from optical high to low states. We predict that this mechanism also works on the transition from low to high states. Interaction between the wind and the companion star attenuates the mass transfer and drives full cycles of low and high states.


Subject headings

binaries: close; novae, cataclysmic variables; stars: individual (CI Aquilae, RX J0513.9–6951); stars: winds, outflows; X-rays: stars


Dates

Issue 2 (2003 May 10)

Received 2002 October 21, accepted for publication 2003 January 23



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