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We report on the detection of an ~5900 s quasi-periodic variation in the extensive photometry of TX Col spanning 12 years. We discuss five different models to explain this period. We favour a mechanism where the quasi-periodic variation results from the beating of the Keplerian frequency of the `blobs' orbiting in the outer accretion disc with the spin frequency, and from modulated accretion of these `blobs' taking place in a shocked region near the disc/magnetosphere boundary., Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures, 3 tables. Accepted by the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

We present new multicolor photo-polarimetry of stars behind the Southern Coalsack. Analyzed together with multiband polarization data from the literature, probing the Chamaeleon I, Musca, rho Opiuchus, R CrA and Taurus clouds, we show that the wavelength of maximum polarization (lambda_max) is linearly correlated with the radiation environment of the grains. Using Far-Infrared emission data, we show that the large scatter seen in previous studies of lambda_max as a function of A_V is primarily due to line of sight effects causing some A_V measurements to not be a good tracer of the extinction (radiation field strength) seen by the grains being probed. The derived slopes in lambda_max vs. A_V, for the individual clouds, are consistent with a common value, while the zero intercepts scale with the average values of the ratios of total-to-selective extinction (R_V) for the individual clouds. Within each cloud we do not find direct correlations between lambda_max and R_V. The positive slope in consistent with recent developments in theory and indicating alignment driven by the radiation field. The present data cannot conclusively differentiate between direct radiative torques and alignment driven by H_2 formation. However, the small values of lambda_max(A_V=0), seen in several clouds, suggest a role for the latter, at least at the cloud surfaces. The scatter in the lambda_max vs. A_V relation is found to be associated with the characteristics of the embedded Young Stellar Objects (YSO) in the clouds. We propose that this is partially due to locally increased plasma damping of the grain rotation caused by X-rays from the YSOs., Comment: Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal

We describe briefly the properties of the recently completed Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), along with its first light imager SALTICAM. Using this instrument, we present 4.3 hr of high speed unfiltered photometric observations of the eclipsing polar SDSSJ015543.40+002807.2 with time resolution as short as 112 ms, the highest quality observations of this kind of any polar to date. The system was observed during its high luminosity state. Two accreting poles are clearly seen in the eclipse light curve. The binary system parameters have been constrained: the white dwarf mass is at the low end of the range expected for cataclysmic variables. Correlations between the positions of the accretion regions on or near the surface of the white dwarf and the binary system parameters were established. The sizes of the accretion regions and their relative movement from eclipse to eclipse were estimated: they are typically 4-7 deg depending on the mass of the white dwarf. The potential of these observations will only fully be realised when low state data of the same kind are obtained and the contact phases of the eclipse of the white dwarf are measured., Comment: 14 pages, 7 figures

We report on the discovery of variable circular polarization from the remnant of Nova Chamaeleontis 1953 (RR Cha). The circular polarization appears to be modulated on the primary's spin period and harmonics of the positive superhump period, with an amplitude peak-to-peak of almost ~10 per cent with both negative and positive polarization. A recent study by Woudt & Warner of RR Cha shows it to have both positive and negative superhumps, indicating the presence of a precessing/tilted accretion disc. In addition, they also find a stable period at 1950 s, characteristic of an Intermediate Polar. RR Cha also shows deep eclipses with variable depth. We propose a possible explanation for the origin of the polarized emission. We assume that it is of cyclotron origin. The variations of the circular polarization with the proposed spin period are caused by the rotation of the compact object. The long period variability arise as a result of a precessing/tilted accretion disc, periodically obscuring either of two accretion regions on the surface of the white dwarf. We also point out several similarities of RR Cha with the SW Sex stars. The lack of a time resolved spectroscopic study prevents to make any conclusion regarding its possible SW Sex nature. Hence, such spectroscopic study is encouraged. RR Cha is the second old nova exhibiting variable circular polarization and we therefore encourage polarimetric observations of other nova remnants., Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, LaTeX, accepted for publication in MNRAS

Modelling of the polarized cyclotron emission from magnetic cataclysmic variables (MCVs) has been a powerful technique for determining the structure of the accretion zones on the white dwarf. Until now, this has been achieved by constructing emission regions (for example arcs and spots) put in by hand, in order to recover the polarized emission. These models were all inferred indirectly from arguments based on polarization and X-ray light curves. Potter, Hakala & Cropper (1998) presented a technique (Stokes imaging) which objectively and analytically models the polarized emission to recover the structure of the cyclotron emission region(s) in MCVs. We demonstrate this technique with the aid of a test case, then we apply the technique to polarimetric observations of the AM Her system V347 Pav. As the system parameters of V347 Pav (for example its inclination) have not been well determined, we describe an extension to the Stokes imaging technique which also searches the system parameter space (GOSSIP)., Comment: To be published in Proc Annapolis workshop on magnetic CVs, held in July 1998