The Discovery of Photospheric Phosphorus and Iron in the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer Spectrum of the Hot DA White Dwarf GD 394
Abstract
We report the discovery of the photospheric P V 3s(2S)-3p(2Po) transitions and Fe III 3d6(5D)- 3d5(6S)4p(5Po) transitions detected in the far-UV spectrum of the hot hydrogen-rich white dwarf GD 394. The spectrum was obtained with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer using the large aperture. The spectrum covers a wavelength range of 910-1180 Å at a resolution of λ/Δλ~15,000. The presence of photospheric phosphorus and iron is the first firm detection of heavy elements other than silicon in the photosphere of GD 394. This detection confirms Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer observations, which show evidence of heavy elements in the photosphere of GD 394 with relatively low individual abundances. The spectrum reveals also a host of photospheric Si III and Si IV features.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- July 2000
- DOI:
- 10.1086/312790
- Bibcode:
- 2000ApJ...538L..91C
- Keywords:
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- Stars: Abundances;
- Stars: Individual: Alphanumeric: GD 394;
- Stars: White Dwarfs