Related papers: Understanding selection effects in observed sample…
Large differences between the properties of the known sample of cataclysmic variable stars (CVs) and the predictions of the theory of binary star evolution have long been recognised. However, because all existing CV samples suffer from…
We review the properties of the currently known CV population from an accountants point of view. In particular, it is examined to what extent different selection mechanisms (variability, X-ray emission, colours, spectroscopic properties)…
Strong selection effects are present in observational samples of cataclysmic variables (CVs), complicating comparisons to theoretical predictions. The selection criteria used to define most CV samples discriminate heavily against the…
I review what we know about the donor stars in cataclysmic variables (CVs), focusing particularly on the close link between these binary components and the overall secular evolution of CVs. I begin with a brief overview of the "standard…
Every massive globular cluster (GC) is expected to harbour a significant population of cataclysmic variables (CVs). In this review, I first explain why GC CVs matter astrophysically, how many and what types are theoretically predicted to…
This article summarizes the basic facts and ideas concerning the formation and evolution of cataclysmic variables (CVs). It is shown why the formation of CVs must involve huge losses of mass and orbital angular momentum, very likely via a…
The study of star clusters plays an important role in our understanding of the Universe since these systems are natural laboratories for testing theories of stellar dynamics and evolution. Particularly, globular clusters (GCs) are one of…
We present an observational and theoretical review of the winds of cataclysmic variables (CVs). Specifically, we consider the related problems of the geometry, ionization state, and mass-loss rate of the winds of CVs. We present evidence of…
I review our current understanding of the evolution of cataclysmic variables (CVs). I first provide a brief introductory "CV primer", in which I describe the physical structure of CVs, as well as their astrophysical significance. The main…
Recent theoretical efforts have made predictions for the masses of the secondary stars in cataclysmic variables. Accurate observational determinations for M$_2$ are sparse and typically have uncertainties near $\pm$0.1M$_{\odot}$. How well…
A common remark at conferences and meetings has been: "One can fit any light curve with binary lens models because of the large number of parameters!" It is especially tempting to claim that some of the possible binary events in the…
Although the theory of cataclysmic variable (CV) evolution is able to explain several observational aspects, strong discrepancies have existed for decades between observations and theoretical predictions of the orbital period distribution,…
We present the results of a search for cataclysmic variables (CVs) in the Calan-Tololo survey. We detected a total number of 21 CVs, 12 of them are previously unknown objects. Our results suggest that the mismatch between the theoretically…
We use an independent new sample of cataclysmic variables (CVs), constructed by selecting objects for Halpha emission, to constrain the properties of the intrinsic CV population. This sample is restricted to systems that are likely to be…
The predicted and observed space density of cataclysmic variables (CVs) have been for a long time discrepant by at least an order of magnitude. The standard model of CV evolution predicts that the vast majority of CVs should be period…
The theoretical and observed populations of pre-cataclysmic variables (pre-CVs) are dominated by systems with low-mass white dwarfs (WDs), while the WD masses in CVs are typically high. In addition, the space density of CVs is found to be…
The major effects of the chemical evolution of galaxies on the characteristics of their stellar populations are reviewed. A few examples of how the observed stellar properties derived from colour--magnitude diagrams can constrain chemical…
We present a preliminary comparison of the post-nova population with that of general cataclysmic variables (CVs). We particularly focus on the mass-transfer rate and its potential relation to the nova eruption. We find that the known…
Aims: We present discovery observations of the new cataclysmic variable star (CV) 1RXS J092737.4-191529, as well as spectra and photometry of SY Vol. The selection technique that turned up these two CVs is described; it should be efficient…
Recent spectroscopic observations have identified several cataclysmic variables non-solar metal abundances. We present theoretical models which examine the level of core evolution expected for CV secondaries prior to contact. Our results…