Testing the White Dwarf Mass-Radius Relation with HIPPARCOS
Abstract
We present the Hipparcos parallaxes and resulting radii for 10 white dwarfs in visual binaries or common proper-motion systems and 11 field white dwarfs. For bright stars, Hipparcos parallaxes have uncertainties approaching 1 mas and are thus considerably more accurate than earlier ground-based parallaxes. Overall, our results support the predictions of the white dwarf mass-radius relation and our understanding of stellar degeneracy. Our most important finding for an individual object is the position of 40 Eri B, a well-known puzzle, now consistent with single-star evolution. In addition, we present evidence supporting the existence of a range of atmosphere thicknesses for hydrogen (DA) white dwarfs.
Based on data from the ESA Hipparcos astrometry satellite.- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- February 1998
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 1998ApJ...494..759P
- Keywords:
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- ASTROMETRY;
- STARS: FUNDAMENTAL PARAMETERS;
- STARS: INDIVIDUAL CONSTELLATION NAME: 40 ERIDANI B;
- ULTRAVIOLET: STARS;
- STARS: WHITE DWARFS;
- Astrometry;
- Stars: Fundamental Parameters;
- Stars: Individual: Constellation Name: 40 Eridani B;
- Ultraviolet: Stars;
- Stars: White Dwarfs
