eROSTEPphase2_P3b

Die Entwicklung von Kataklysmischen Variablen und ihr Beitrag zur Galactic Ridge Röntgenemission

01.10.2024 bis 30.09.2027

Cataclysmic variables (CVs) are the most numerous compact binaries in the X-ray sky. Yet their space density and luminosity function, hence their contribution to the total energy output of the Milky Way at high energies is virtually unknown. The eROSITA X-ray all-sky surveys enable now the identification of CVs in large numbers. However, optical follow-up is essential to confirm the X-ray candidates. The focus of this project is the discovery of CVs in which the White Dwarf is accreting from a very low-mass donor, the so-called period bouncers. This is the observationally most elusive class of CVs. This project follows up an an earlier study (eROSTEP_P3b) in which eROSITA was used to provide period-bouncer candidates. Now a more detailed X-ray characterisation and optical spectroscopic follow-up will be undertaken to define a solid list of period-bouncing CVs, and determine their luminosity function and space density.