White dwarf stars.
Abstract
Observations and properties of white-dwarf stars are reviewed. Observational constraints are discussed in terms of methods of discovery, selection effects, white dwarfs in binaries and clusters, stellar colors, spectral types, and kinematic properties. The following stellar and atmospheric parameters are examined: astrometric masses and radii; temperatures, radii, and gravities of DA stars; abundances in white dwarfs with helium atmospheres; and white-dwarf rotation, optical variability, and magnetism. The origin and evolution of white dwarfs are considered, particularly with respect to the birthrate of hot white dwarfs, progenitor stars and their prior evolution, the envelope evolution and cooling evolution of white dwarfs, and the luminosity function of white dwarfs.
- Publication:
-
Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- 1980
- DOI:
- 10.1146/annurev.aa.18.090180.002051
- Bibcode:
- 1980ARA&A..18..363L
- Keywords:
-
- White Dwarf Stars;
- Abundance;
- Astrometry;
- Planetary Nebulae;
- Stellar Atmospheres;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Stellar Magnetic Fields;
- Stellar Mass Accretion;
- Stellar Rotation;
- Stellar Structure;
- Stellar Temperature;
- Astrophysics