NICER observation list: Target ID 258502

Abstract

The launch of NICER brings unprecedented capabilities for observing magnetic cataclysmic variables ( polars'). Quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) of 1-3 s have been observed with fast optical photometry. Existing hydrodynamic models of the accretion unify the source spectrum with predictions for a 2-channel (X-ray and optical) QPO. The X-ray QPO has never been detected, but observing capabilities have been limited. We propose NICER observations of the five polars that have exhibited optical QPOs, complemented by optical coverage from SAAO, both for cross correlation of variability and to understand source state changes. The campaign will compare both the spectral and temporal aspects with models. Detecting even one X-ray QPO would be an enormous advance.
Obsid RA DEC l b Start End Exposure Number of modules Status of Processing Date of Processing Public date
2585020101 212.283 -45.288 316.98017 15.45424 58570.1315 58570.9231 2500.00000 52 VALIDATED 58598.2 58584
2585020201 212.281 -45.288 316.97899 15.45438 58580.1153 58580.1264 332.00000 52 VALIDATED 58585.9 58594
2585020301 212.281 -45.288 316.97884 15.45416 58582.1107 58582.1231 282.00000 52 VALIDATED 58587.8 58596
2585020401 212.276 -45.285 316.97655 15.45809 58684.8465 58684.8706 1035.00000 52 VALIDATED 58690.1 58698
2585020501 212.279 -45.286 316.97803 15.45633 58685.8127 58685.8398 1150.00000 52 VALIDATED 58690.1 58699
2585020601 212.283 -45.288 316.97988 15.45384 58718.2028 58718.2991 3569.00000 52 VALIDATED 58722.6 58732
2585020602 212.285 -45.288 316.98130 15.45349 58719.1044 58719.3184 3039.00000 52 VALIDATED 58723.6 58733