First outbursting hot subdwarf binary discovered
Astronomers have discovered the first hot subdwarf-white dwarf binary system that produces dwarf nova outbursts, designated ZTF J0007+4804. This system was identified using data from the Zwicky Transient Facility and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. The findings suggest that ZTF J0007+4804 will likely merge into a single white dwarf in approximately 226 million years.
- ▪ZTF J0007+4804 is the first known hot subdwarf-white dwarf system exhibiting periodic dwarf nova outbursts.
- ▪The system consists of an accreting white dwarf and a B-type hot subdwarf with an effective temperature of 23,500 K.
- ▪The orbital period of ZTF J0007+4804 is approximately 1.81 hours, with dwarf nova outbursts occurring every nine days.
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May 16, 2026 report First outbursting hot subdwarf binary discovered by Tomasz Nowakowski, Phys.org Tomasz Nowakowski Author Meet our staff & contributors Learn about our editorial standards edited by Stephanie Baum, reviewed by Robert Egan Stephanie Baum Scientific Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Robert Egan Associate Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies.
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