cataclysmic binary
A close binary system consisting of a white
dwarf primary and an orange or red (K-
or M-type) main-sequence or giant secondary,
in which matter flows from the secondary toward the primary. In most cases,
the stripped hydrogen-rich gas enters an accretion
disk around the white dwarf and may subsequently fall onto the condensed
star to ignite violently in a fusion reaction. Cataclysmic variables fall
into two groups. The non-magnetic group, which is by far the most populous,
includes U Geminorum stars (dwarf
novae) and classical and recurrent novae. The
much rarer, magnetic group includes AM
Herculis stars and DQ Herculis
stars and is distinguished by the presence of a powerful magnetic field
around the primary that dramatically affects the accretion flow.
Related entry
• variable stars
Related category
• TYPES
OF STAR
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