Spin-up and accretion in EX Hydrae during its quiescent state

Abstract
The cataclysmic variable EX Hydrae was monitored photoelectrically during its quiescent state during 1986. New timing data obtained from measurements of the 67-min cycle indicate that its period continues to decrease secularly. Interpreting this in the context of the intermediate polar model yields a probable mass accretion rate in the range $${10}^{-11}{-10}^{-10}{M}_{\odot}\,\text{yr}^{-1}$$. The orbital period has decreased over the interval 1981–86 but the long-term trend is consistent with a sinusoidal variation noted in earlier studies. This trend most probably reflects complex angular momentum transfer mechanisms in addition to gravitational radiation and spin-orbit coupling.

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