The study of the Balmer radial velocity curve of the cataclysmic variable (CV) VY Scl has revealed a new value for the orbital period (0.232 days), which significantly differs from the previously accepted one. It also shows a gamma modulation that is compatible with the presence of a third component, indicating that this object could be a hierarchical triple system. The CV is a low-inclination (i ～ 30°) system with a massive white dwarf (M_1 ～ 1.2 solar mass). There are two possibilities for the nature of the hypothetical third component: either a ≥ 0.8 solar mass star or a low-luminosity higher mass star (probably a compact object). The value for the period of the third object orbit would be ～ 5.8 days, which makes the triple system dynamically stable.
展开▼
