S. Starrfield
Papers
1
Total Citations
22
H-Index
1
About
S. Starrfield is a leading figure in the study of cataclysmic variables (CVs) and stellar astrophysics, with a career dedicated to unraveling the violent behavior of interacting binary systems. Their research focuses on dwarf novae, particularly the SU Ursae Majoris type, and the physical processes governing their outbursts and quiescent states. A key contribution is the detailed photometric and spectroscopic analysis of SX Leonis Minoris, which provided critical insights into the accretion disk dynamics during superoutbursts and quiescence. This work, with 22 citations, revealed the complex emission line profiles—including broad double-peaked Balmer, He I, and He II lines—that are now benchmarks for understanding CV disk structure. Starrfield’s impact extends beyond individual studies; their observational frameworks have shaped how the community interprets accretion physics in compact binaries. Notably, their research has been instrumental in linking spectroscopic signatures to outburst mechanisms, advancing models of mass transfer and thermal instability. Through decades of meticulous work, Starrfield has become a trusted authority on the life cycles of these explosive stellar systems, inspiring new generations of astronomers to explore the dynamic universe of cataclysmic variables.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1