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Constraints for cataclysmic binary evolution as derived from space distributions

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Abstract

Space densities and galacticz-distributions of novae, recurrent novae, dwarf novae and symbiotic stars are newly determined and discussed in the context of earlier determinations. The data are then compared with the distributions of single and binary stars of possibly related types (late type giants, Mira variables, Algol systems, W UMa systems).

Novae and dwarf novae have similar distributions, those of fairly young stellar populations. The observed space density of potential novae (novalike objects) indicates that the mean recurrence time of novae might be as small as a few hundred years, which leads, with given nova shell masses and mass transfer rates in the minimum stage, to a secular decrease of the masses of the components undergoing nova outbursts.

Recurrent novae and symbiotic stars have distributions of older stellar populations, similar to those of late type giants and Mira variables.

On the basis of galactic distribution, novae and dwarf novae are closely related and may be final stages of W UMa systems, as well as progenitors of supernovae of type I. A small fraction of W UMa systems seems to belong to an older population. If evolutionary transitions between these types of stars can be substantiated, the presence of a minority of novae and dwarf novae in globular clusters and of supernovae I in elliptical galaxies can be explained.

Due to the lack of sufficiently well determined space distributions of Algol binaries, the suggestion that long-period Algol systems might be the progenitors of cataclysmic binaries can as yet neither be substantiated nor refuted. A very high space density of long-period Algol systems in the solar neighbourhood is derived. The observed space density of cataclysmic binaries could be explained by the transformation of a small percentage of the long-period Algol systems by common envelope evolution.

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  1. Observatorium Hoher List der Universitäts-Sternwarte Bonn, Daun, F.R.G.

    H. W. Duerbeck

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Duerbeck, H.W. Constraints for cataclysmic binary evolution as derived from space distributions. Astrophys Space Sci 99, 363–385 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00650260

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