The cataclysmic variable WW Ceti: Physical parameters and periodic phenomena

Abstract

We present spectroscopic and photometric data of the cataclysmic variable WW Cet. By comparison of our radial velocity data with earlier published ones we are able to restrict possible orbital periods to the two choices 0.175 806 90(25)d and 0.175 289 02(35)d. We derive as inclination of the system i = 48(11)°, which is supported by the fact that the photometric lightcurve shows periodic phenomena folded on the orbital period. These features are identified as a main and an intermediate hump which vary strongly with the brightness level of the system. Our derived periods place them at very unusual phases which are not conform with the normal explanation that the humps are caused by a hot spot which is seen from both front and back. However, our spectroscopy in quiescence indicates that these phasings are real and do not result from an error in the calculation of the ephemerides.