Magnetic classification of V842 Centauri

Ascertain whether V842 Centauri is an intermediate polar containing a moderately magnetized white dwarf that truncates its inner accretion disk.

Background

V842 Centauri exhibits an approximately 57-second optical modulation that has been interpreted as a possible white-dwarf spin signal, which would support an intermediate-polar classification. However, the modulation has not been detected in X-ray or ultraviolet observations, and the system has a low inclination. The paper therefore treats its magnetic classification as unresolved.

References

However, the signal was never detected in the X-ray \citep{lun12} or UV \citep{sio13} bands, and since the system has a low inclination \citep{wou03,sch05}, its classification as an IP is still a matter of debate.

— The instantaneous mass accretion rate of novae in quiescence: - an archival ultraviolet optical spectral analysis  (2608.18037 - Godon et al., 18 Aug 2026) in Section 3.9, V842 Centauri—Nova Centauri 1986