A 'superoutburst' in Xte J1118+480

I propose that the properties of the two outbursts observed in the X-ray transient XTE J1118+480 in 2000 are akin to super-outbursts of SU UMa stars. In these systems a 'normal' outburst immediately precedes a 5–10 times longer ('super')outburst. The optical light curve of the outbursts of XTE J1118+480 is remarkably similar to that seen in some SU UMa stars, such as UV Per and T Leo, where the precursor outburst is distinct from the superoutburst, but the time scales are a factor of ∼15 different. The first outburst of XTE J1118+480 was relatively short (∼1 month) while the second outburst was ∼5 times longer. During the second outburst superhumps were seen, a feature characteristic for superoutbursts. The gap of about a month between the two outbursts is longer in X-rays with respect to the optical, a feature not previously recognized for X-ray transients. Also in SU UMa stars the precursor outburst becomes more distinct at shorter wavelengths. Finally, I show that the time of appearance of the superhumps in XTE J1118+480 is consistent with the expected superhump growth time, if the superhump mechanism was triggered during the first outburst. I conclude that the similarity in outburst behaviour in the two types of systems provides further support that a common mechanism is at work to start the long ('super')outbursts.