EX Hydrae (original) (raw)

EX Hydrae is a variable star classified as an eclipsing intermediate polar-type cataclysmic variable, specifically of the DQ Herculis type. The system varies in apparent magnitude from 9.6 to 14. The system consists of a white dwarf primary and an M-type secondary, of masses of 0.4–0.7 M☉ and 0.07–0.10 M☉ respectively. The orbital period is 98.25696 minutes (0.068233846 days). The system is 65±11 parsecs distant, making EX Hya one of the closest cataclysmic variable stars. The cataclysmic outbursts appear to be caused by accretion of material from the M-star to the white dwarf.