The Eclipsing Cataclysmic Variable Lanning 386: Dwarf Nova, SW Sextantis Star, or Both?

Abstract

We present photometry and spectroscopy of the suspected cataclysmic variable (CV) Lanning 386. We confirm that it is a CV, and observe deep eclipses, from which we determine the orbital period Porb to be 0.1640517 +- 0.0000001 d (= 3.94 h). Photometric monitoring over two observing seasons shows a very active system with frequent outbursts of variable amplitude, up to approx. 2 mag. The spectrum in quiescence is typical of dwarf novae, but in its high state the system shows strong HeII emission and a broad CIV Wolf-Rayet feature. This is unusual for dwarf novae in outburst and indicates a high excitation. In its high state the system shows some features reminiscent of an SW Sextantis-type CV, but lacks others. We discuss the classification of this puzzling object.

Tex with 10 postscript figures. Dedicated to the late Howard Lanning

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Cited by in corpus (5)

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• XMM-Newton Observations of the Peculiar Cataclysmic Variable Lanning 386: X-ray evidence for a Magnetic Primary
• The new eclipsing CV MASTER OTJ192328.22+612413.5 - a possible SW Sextantis Star