| CVs are classified into various subgroups based primarily on the strength of the white dwarf's magnetic field. The major CV "flavors" include: | ||
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1) Nominally non-magnetic systems (dwarf novae and novalike variables), and | |
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2) Magnetic systems with field strengths in excess of about 106 gauss. Magnetic CVs are further subdivided into: | |
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a) Intermediate Polars or DQ Her stars with magnetic field strengths ~ 1-10 x 106 gauss and |
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b) Polars or AM Her stars with magnetic field strengths ~ 10-100 x 106 gauss. |
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For perspective, the Earth's magnetic field strength is ~ 1 gauss and the strongest magnetic fields on the Sun are ~ 104 gauss. | |
| Graphically, the CV subgroups are as follows: | ||
| Cataclysmic Variables | ||
| "Non-Magnetic" |
Magnetic
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B<0.1-1 MG: Novalike Variables Dwarf Novae |
B ~ 1-10 MG: Intermediate Polars (DQ Her stars) |
B ~ 10-100 MG: Polars (AM Her stars) |
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| Novae | CV Subtypes | Non-Magnetic CVs | Intermediate Polars | Polars | |
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| Last modified March 22, 2002 | |||||
| UCRL-MI-135159 | |||||