Speaker
Description
Dwarf novae (DN) are type of cataclysmic variables consisting of a white dwarf accreting from a main-sequence companion, whose recurrent brightness variations are driven by instabilities in the accretion disk. We present a systematic search for DN in 10,584 astrophysical transient light curves observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite between 2018 and 2025. The parent sample consists of all transients reported to the Transient Name Server that had simultaneous TESS observations. Through visual identification, we identified outbursts and superoutbursts characteristic of DN light curves. We identify 145 new DN candidates, none of which appear in pre-existing catalogs. For each source, we measure periodic signals, rise times, decay timescales, amplitudes, and other outburst properties, allowing us to investigate whether these quantities follow established trends. We further cross-match the sample with Gaia DR3, obtaining counterparts for 64 systems and deriving distances, colors, absolute magnitudes, and heights above the Galactic plane where suitable data is available. The sample reveals correlations between photometric periodicity and outburst timescales approximately consistent with previously established DN trends. We also find 2 sources with orbital periods < 70 minutes, which will be gravitational wave emitters.
