J. R. Thorstensen
Papers
2
Total Citations
28
H-Index
2
About
J. R. Thorstensen is a leading observational astronomer whose work has profoundly shaped our understanding of cataclysmic variable (CV) stars—binary systems where a white dwarf accretes matter from a companion star. His research centers on the orbital dynamics, outburst behavior, and physical properties of these volatile systems, particularly dwarf novae of the SU Ursae Majoris type. A landmark contribution is his detailed photometric and spectroscopic study of SX Leonis Minoris (22 citations), which characterized the system’s behavior in both quiescence and superoutburst, revealing broad, double-peaked emission lines typical of quiescent dwarf novae and providing critical insights into accretion disk structure. Thorstensen is also renowned for his systematic determination of orbital periods in faint CVs, as exemplified in his 2019 high-speed photometry survey (6 citations), where he derived 16 new orbital periods from targets identified by transient surveys like ASAS-SN and CRTS. This work has been instrumental in mapping the population of short-period CVs, testing evolutionary models, and identifying potential gravitational wave sources. With decades of dedicated observation, Thorstensen remains a vital force in unveiling the violent, dynamic lives of interacting binary stars.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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