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Paper: ULTRACAM Observations of the Braking Rate of the Pre-CV NN Ser
Volume: 330, The Astrophysics of Cataclysmic Variables and Related Objects
Page: 329
Authors: Brinkworth, C.S.; Marsh, T.R.; Dhillon, V.S.; Feline, W.J.
Abstract: We present results of high time resolution photometry of the eclipsing pre-cataclysmic variable NN Ser using ULTRACAM. Our eclipse timings have uncertainties of only ~0.06 seconds, and indicate that the period of NN Ser is shortening at the rate expected from standard CV magnetic braking models. For the first time, we detect the secondary eclipse as the white dwarf transits across the face of the M dwarf. This will allow us to estimate a more precise orbital inclination and relative radii of the component stars. Radial velocity data will give precise enough mass/radius values to test the thickness of the hydrogen layer of a white dwarf in a binary; such hydrogen layers can have significant influence upon the cooling curves of white dwarfs and hence the observed population of white dwarf dominated systems.
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