Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-2026
Abstract
We report the discovery and spectroscopic classification of a new cataclysmic variable (CV), GALEX J211240.9–422959 (Gaia DR3 source ID 6580244356829724928). This object was initially identified as a source exhibiting strong mid-infrared variability in Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) time-series data by a volunteer participating in the Exoasteroids citizen science project. Prompted by this strong variability at 3–5 μm, we obtained a follow-up optical spectrum using the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph at the Gemini South Observatory. The resulting spectrum displays a blue continuum dominated by strong, broad emission lines of the hydrogen Balmer series and neutral helium, spectral signatures characteristic of an accreting white dwarf in a CV system. The GALEX J211240.9–422959 WISE light curve contains an infrared outburst peaking in 2016 that lacks a corresponding optical outburst. More follow-up is needed to understand the physical mechanism driving this object’s infrared and optical behavior.
Recommended Citation
Lin, Mei, Aaron Meisner, Siyi Xu, Arttu Sainio, Liliana Rivera Sandoval, Paula Szkody, Christopher Tanner et al. "Discovery of a New Cataclysmic Variable, GALEX J211240. 9–422959, via the Exoasteroids Citizen Science Project." Research Notes of the AAS 10, no. 4 (2026): 82. https://doi.org/10.3847/2515-5172/ae5ca3
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Publication Title
Research Notes of the AAS
DOI
10.3847/2515-5172/ae5ca3
Comments
© 2026. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society.
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