Kepler K2 and TESS Observations of Two Magnetic Cataclysmic Variables: The New Asynchronous Polar SDSS J084617.11+245344.1 and Paloma

Abstract There have been relatively few published long-duration, uninterrupted light curves of magnetic cataclysmic variable stars in which the accreting white dwarf’s rotational frequency is slightly desynchronized from binary orbital frequency. We report Kepler K2 and TESS observations two such systems. The first, SDSS J084617.11+245344.1, was observed by spacecraft for 80 days during Campaign 16 mission, we identify it as a new asynchronous polar with likely 4.64 hr period. This significantly longer than any other polar, well all but several synchronous polars. Its spin periods beat against each to produce conspicuous 6.77-day period, across system’s accretion geometry gradually changes. second system this study, Paloma, one sector already known be asynchronous. Until now, there had an ambiguity its power spectrum pinpoints period 2.27 hr. During resulting 0.7-day spin–orbit curve phased on modulation alternates between being single double humped. explore possible explanations behavior: flow diverted poles part cycle, or eclipse emitting region responsible hump.