Superoutbursts and Superhumps of Cataclysmic Variables observed with TESS
Abstract
Superoutbursts and superhumps are characteristic signatures of SU UMa-type cataclysmic variables, yet the full diversity of superhump evolutionary behaviour remains poorly constrained owing to the limitations of ground-based photometric monitoring. Here we report a systematic analysis of 30 SU UMa-type dwarf novae observed with the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, covering 37 superoutburst events. We detect coherent superhump signals in 29 systems-including five first-time detections-and determine or refine orbital periods for 13 objects. The high-cadence light curves clearly resolve the canonical three-stage (A-B-C) superhump period evolution. Using Stage A periods, we derive dynamical mass ratios for 18 systems, consistent with established cataclysmic variable evolutionary tracks. The measured Stage B period derivatives match the range of values from ground-based campaigns, with prominent positive drifts concentrated in short-period, low-mass-ratio systems. Repeated superoutbursts yield consistent evolutionary patterns, demonstrating that superhump morphology is an intrinsic, repeatable property. Two systems break the standard template: RZ LMi shows an inverted stage sequence inconsistent with classical precession theory, while ASASSN-14kj exhibits no stage evolution but a coherent long-period modulation. Persistent superhumps during normal outbursts in three systems provide direct evidence that eccentric disk structures can survive beyond their parent superoutbursts, revealing a decoupling between thermal accretion and tidal eccentricity cycles. These results demonstrate the power of space-borne photometry for probing accretion disk dynamics and testing precession models across the cataclysmic variable parameter space.
Related
- Cataclysmic Variables Photometric Periods from TESS
- Magnetic-field constraints for four magnetic cataclysmic variables from simultaneous continuum and cyclotron modeling
- The light curve modeling of eclipsing cataclysmic variables: from period bouncers to nova-likes
- Rotation and outburst-like brightenings in ZZ Ceti stars observed by TESS
- A Unified Mass-Loading Model for ASKAP J1745-5051: Linking Long-Period Radio Transients to Magnetic Cataclysmic Variables
BibTeX
@misc{sun2026superoutbursts,
title = {{Superoutbursts and Superhumps of Cataclysmic Variables observed with TESS}},
author = {Qi-Bin Sun and Sheng-Bang Qian and Li-Ying Zhu and Qin-Mei Li and Wen-Ping Liao and Fu-Xing Li and Wen-Xu Lin and Min-Yu Li and Ping Li and Fang-Zhou Yan and Zi-Mo Li and Tao Wang and Mao-Han Zhang},
howpublished = {arXiv},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.48550/arxiv.2609.12461},
eprint = {2609.12461},
archivePrefix = {arXiv},
url = {https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.12461},
note = {CC0},
}
RIS
TY - UNPB
TI - Superoutbursts and Superhumps of Cataclysmic Variables observed with TESS
AU - Qi-Bin Sun
AU - Sheng-Bang Qian
AU - Li-Ying Zhu
AU - Qin-Mei Li
AU - Wen-Ping Liao
AU - Fu-Xing Li
AU - Wen-Xu Lin
AU - Min-Yu Li
AU - Ping Li
AU - Fang-Zhou Yan
AU - Zi-Mo Li
AU - Tao Wang
AU - Mao-Han Zhang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/11
PB - arXiv
DO - 10.48550/arxiv.2609.12461
UR - https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.12461
AB - Superoutbursts and superhumps are characteristic signatures of SU UMa-type cataclysmic variables, yet the full diversity of superhump evolutionary behaviour remains poorly constrained owing to the limitations of ground-based photometric monitoring. Here we report a systematic analysis of 30 SU UMa-type dwarf novae observed with the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, covering 37 superoutburst events. We detect coherent superhump signals in 29 systems-including five first-time detections-and determine or refine orbital periods for 13 objects. The high-cadence light curves clearly resolve the canonical three-stage (A-B-C) superhump period evolution. Using Stage A periods, we derive dynamical mass ratios for 18 systems, consistent with established cataclysmic variable evolutionary tracks. The measured Stage B period derivatives match the range of values from ground-based campaigns, with prominent positive drifts concentrated in short-period, low-mass-ratio systems. Repeated superoutbursts yield consistent evolutionary patterns, demonstrating that superhump morphology is an intrinsic, repeatable property. Two systems break the standard template: RZ LMi shows an inverted stage sequence inconsistent with classical precession theory, while ASASSN-14kj exhibits no stage evolution but a coherent long-period modulation. Persistent superhumps during normal outbursts in three systems provide direct evidence that eccentric disk structures can survive beyond their parent superoutbursts, revealing a decoupling between thermal accretion and tidal eccentricity cycles. These results demonstrate the power of space-borne photometry for probing accretion disk dynamics and testing precession models across the cataclysmic variable parameter space.
ER -