White Dwarfs: Fossil Stars
Abstract
The structure and properties of white dwarfs are analyzed. The physical structure of white dwarf interiors is balanced by a quantum-mechanical effect known as electron degeneracy pressure. Besides preventing gravitational collapse, the degenerate electrons also control the thermal structure of the stars. The transport of energy in the interior and near the surface of the stars is discussed. The surface composition of the white dwarfs is examined. It is observed that the surface of the stars contains only one element; 80 percent of the stars contain only H and the remaining stars contain He. It is determined that the intense gravity of the stars leads to a layering arrangement of material within the star. The origin and evolution of white dwarfs, in particular their crystal stage, are described.
- Publication:
-
Sky and Telescope
- Pub Date:
- August 1987
- Bibcode:
- 1987S&T....74..132K
- Keywords:
-
- Stellar Evolution;
- White Dwarf Stars;
- Cooling;
- Crystallization;
- Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram;
- Stellar Interiors;
- Stellar Structure;
- Astrophysics