FUSE studies of quasi-molecular satellites in the Lyman lines of white dwarfs
Abstract
We review FUSE observations of quasi-molecular lines detected in a wide variety of white dwarfs and recent progress made on the line-broadening theory. Quasi-molecular satellite transitions take place during close collisions of the radiating hydrogen atom with a perturbing atom or proton. These absorption features are present in the red wings of the Lyman series lines and provide a notable source of opacity in the hydrogen-rich atmospheres of white dwarfs. FUSE spectra have provided: 1) the first detection of the predicted H2 quasi-molecular satellite at 1150Å in ZZ Ceti, 2) detection of quasi-molecular satellites of Ly β and Ly γ in an ultra-massive white dwarf, 3) clear identification of the Ly γ quasi-molecular satellites, and 4) improved Ly β satellites opacities.
- Publication:
-
Astrophysics in the Far Ultraviolet: Five Years of Discovery with FUSE
- Pub Date:
- June 2006
- Bibcode:
- 2006ASPC..348..200D