Showing papers on "White dwarf published in 2003"

The chemical compositions of Galactic disc F and G dwarfs

Abstract: Photospheric abundances are presented for 27 elements from carbon to europium in 181 F and G dwarfs from a differential local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) analysis of high-resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio spectra. Stellar effective temperatures (T eff) were adopted from an infrared flux method calibration of Stromgren photometry. Stellar surface gravities (g) were calculated from Hipparcos parallaxes and stellar evolutionary tracks. Adopted T eff and g values are in good agreement with spectroscopic estimates. Stellar ages were determined from evolutionary tracks. Stellar space motions (U , V , W ) and a Galactic potential were used to estimate Galactic orbital parameters. These show that the vast majority of the stars belong to the Galactic thin disc. Relative abundances expressed as (X/Fe) generally confirm previously published results. We give results for C, N, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Y, Zr, Ba, Ce, Nd and Eu. The α elements - O, Mg, Si, Ca and Ti - show (α/Fe) to increase slightly with decreasing (Fe/H). Heavy elements with dominant contributions at solar metallicity from the s-process show (s/Fe) to decrease slightly with decreasing (Fe/H). Scatter in (X/Fe) at a fixed (Fe/H) is entirely attributable to the small measurement errors, after excluding the few thick disc stars and the s-process-enriched CH subgiants. Tight limits are set on 'cosmic' scatter. If a weak trend with (Fe/H) is taken into account, the composition of a thin disc star expressed as (X/Fe) is independent of the star's age and birthplace for elements contributed in different proportions by massive stars (Type II supernovae), exploding white dwarfs (Type Ia supernovae) and asymptotic red giant branch stars. By combining our sample with various published studies, comparisons between thin and thick disc stars are made. In this composite sample, thick disc stars are primarily identified by their V LSR in the range −40 to −100 km s −1 . These are very old stars with origins in the inner Galaxy and metallicities (Fe/H) −0.4. At the same (Fe/H), the sampled thin disc stars have V LSR ∼ 0k m s −1 , and are generally younger with a birthplace at about the Sun's Galactocentric distance. In the range −0.35 (Fe/H) −0.70, well represented by present thin and thick disc samples, (X/Fe) of the thick disc stars is greater than that of thin disc stars for Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Ti and Eu. (X/Fe) is very similar for the thin and thick disc for - notably - Na and iron-group elements. Barium ((Ba/Fe)) may be underabundant in thick relative to thin disc stars. These results extend previous ideas about composition differences between the thin and thick disc.

Stability of Standing Accretion Shocks, with an Eye toward Core-Collapse Supernovae

Abstract: We examine the stability of standing, spherical accretion shocks. Accretion shocks arise in core-collapse supernovae (the focus of this paper), star formation, and accreting white dwarfs and neutron stars. We present a simple analytic model and use time-dependent hydrodynamics simulations to show that this solution is stable to radial perturbations. In two dimensions we show that small perturbations to a spherical shock front can lead to rapid growth of turbulence behind the shock, driven by the injection of vorticity from the now nonspherical shock. We discuss the ramifications this instability may have for the supernova mechanism.

The origin of subdwarf B stars – II

Abstract: We have carried out a detailed binary population synthesis (BPS) study of the formation of subdwarf B (sdB) stars and related objects (sdO, sdOB stars) using the latest version of the BPS code developed by Han and co-workers. We systematically investigate the importance of the five main evolutionary channels in which the sdB stars form after one or two common-envelope (CE) phases, one or two phases of stable Roche lobe overflow (RLOF) or as the result of the merger of two helium white dwarfs (WDs). Our best BPS model can satisfactorily explain the main observational characteristics of sdB stars, in particular their distributions in the orbital period-minimum companion mass (log P-M-comp) diagram and in the effective temperature-surface gravity (T-eff- log g) diagram, their distributions of orbital period, log (gtheta(4))(theta = 5040 K / T-eff) and mass function, their binary fraction and the fraction of sdB binaries with WD companions, their birth rates and their space density. We obtain a Galactic formation rate for sdB stars of 0.014- 0.063 yr(-1) with a best estimate of similar to0.05 yr(-1) and a total number in the Galaxy of 2.4-9.5 x 10(6) with a best estimate of similar to6 x 10(6); half of these may be missing in observational surveys owing to selection effects. The intrinsic binary fraction is 76-89 per cent, although the observed frequency may be substantially lower owing to the selection effects. The first CE ejection channel, the first stable RLOF channel and the merger channel are intrinsically the most important channels, although observational selection effects tend to increase the relative importance of the second CE ejection and merger channels. We also predict a distribution of masses for sdB stars that is wider than is commonly assumed and that some sdB stars have companions of spectral type as early as B. The percentage of A-type stars with sdB companions can in principle be used to constrain some of the important parameters in the binary evolution model. We conclude that (i) the first RLOF phase needs to be more stable than is commonly assumed, either because the critical mass ratio q(crit) for dynamical mass transfer is higher or because of tidally enhanced stellar wind mass loss; (ii) mass transfer in the first stable RLOF phase is non-conservative, and the mass lost from the system takes away a specific angular momentum similar to that of the system; and (iii) common-envelope ejection is very efficient.

A Tidally Disrupted Asteroid around the White Dwarf G29-38

Abstract: The infrared excess around the white dwarf G29-38 can be explained by emission from an opaque flat ring of dust with an inner radius of 0.14 R☉ and an outer radius of less than 1 R☉. This ring lies within the Roche region of the white dwarf where an asteroid could have been tidally destroyed, producing a system reminiscent of Saturn's rings. Accretion onto the white dwarf from this circumstellar dust can explain the observed calcium abundance in the atmosphere of G29-38. Either as a bombardment by a series of asteroids or because of one large disruption, the total amount of matter accreted onto the white dwarf may have been ~4 × 1024 g, comparable to the total mass of asteroids in the solar system, or, equivalently, about 1% of the mass in the asteroid belt around the main-sequence star ζ Lep.

The origin of sdB stars (II)

Abstract: We have carried out a detailed binary populations synthesis (BPS) study of the formation of subdwarf B (sdB) stars and related objects (sdO, sdOB stars) using the latest version of the BPS code developed by Han et al.(1994, 1995a, 1995b, 1998, 2001). We systematically investigate the importance of the five main evolutionary channels in which the sdB stars form after one or two common-envelope (CE) phases, one or two phases of stable Roche-lobe overflow (RLOF) or as the result of the merger of two helium white dwarfs (WD) (see Han et al. 2002, Paper I). Our best BPS model can satisfactorily explain the main observational characteristics of sdB stars, in particular their distributions in the orbital period - minimum companion mass diagram and in the effective temperature - surface gravity diagram, their distributions of orbital period, log (g theta^4), and mass function, their binary fraction and the fraction of sdB binaries with WD companions, their birthrates and their space density. We obtain a Galactic formation rate, a total number in the Galaxy, the intrinsic binary fraction for sdB stars. We also predict a distribution of masses for sdB stars that is wider than is commonly assumed and that some sdB stars have companions of spectral type as early as B. The percentage of A type stars with sdB companions can in principle be used to constrain some of the important parameters in the binary evolution model. We conclude that (a) the first RLOF phase needs to be more stable than is commonly assumed; (b) mass transfer in the first stable RLOF phase is non-conservative, and the mass lost from the system takes away a specific angular momentum similar to that of the system; (c) common-envelope ejection is very efficient.

Metal Lines in DA White Dwarfs

Abstract: We report Keck telescope HIRES echelle observations of DA white dwarfs in a continuation of an extensive search for metals. These spectra are supplemented with new JHK magnitudes that are used to determine improved atmospheric parameters. Of the DA white dwarfs not in binary or common proper motion systems, about 25% show Ca II lines. For these, Ca abundances are determined from comparison with theoretical equivalent widths from model atmosphere calculations; in a few cases we also obtain Mg, Fe, Si, and Al abundances. If Ca is not observed, we generally determine very stringent upper limits. We compare the data to predictions of previously published models involving the accretion/diffusion of interstellar matter and of comets. The derived abundances are not obviously compatible with the predictions of either model, which up to now could only be tested with traces of metals in helium-rich white dwarfs. By modifying certain assumptions in the published interstellar accretion model we are able to match the distribution of the elements in the white dwarf atmospheres, but, even so, tests of other expectations from this scenario are less successful. Because comet accretion appears unlikely to be the primary cause of the DAZ phenomenon, the data suggest that no more than about 20% of F-type main-sequence stars are accompanied by Oort-like comet clouds. This represents the first observational estimate of this fraction. A plausible alternative to the accretion of cometary or interstellar matter is disruption and accretion of asteroidal material, a model first suggested in 1990 to explain excess near-infrared emission from the DAZ G29-38. An asteroidal debris model to account for the general DAZ phenomenon does not presently disagree with the HIRES data, but neither is there any compelling evidence in support of such a model. The HIRES data indicate that in close red dwarf/white dwarf binaries not known to be cataclysmic variables there is, nonetheless, significant mass transfer, perhaps in the form of a wind flowing off the red dwarf. As a by-product we find from the kinematics of GD 165 a likely age of more than 2 Gyr for its probable brown dwarf companion GD 165B.

An asymptotic-giant-branch star in the progenitor system of a type Ia supernova.

Abstract: Stars that explode as supernovae come in two main classes A type Ia supernova is recognized by the absence of hydrogen and the presence of elements such as silicon and sulphur in its spectrum; this class of supernova is thought to produce the majority of iron-peak elements in the Universe They are also used as precise ‘standard candles’ to measure the distances to galaxies While there is general agreement that a type Ia supernova is produced by an exploding white dwarf star1, no progenitor system has ever been directly observed Significant effort has gone into searching for circumstellar material to help discriminate between the possible kinds of progenitor systems2, but no such material has hitherto been found associated with a type Ia supernova3 Here we report the presence of strong hydrogen emission associated with the type Ia supernova SN2002ic, indicating the presence of large amounts of circumstellar material We infer from this that the progenitor system contained a massive asymptotic-giant-branch star that lost several solar masses of hydrogen-rich gas before the supernova explosion

Dynamical Formation of Close Binary Systems in Globular Clusters

Abstract: We know from observations that globular clusters are very efficient catalysts in forming unusual short-period binary systems or their offspring, such as low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs; neutron stars accreting matter from low-mass stellar companions), cataclysmic variables (white dwarfs accreting matter from stellar companions), and millisecond pulsars (rotating neutron stars with spin periods of a few milliseconds). Although there has been little direct evidence, the overabundance of these objects in globular clusters has been attributed by numerous authors to the high densities in the cores, which leads to an increase in the formation rate of exotic binary systems through close stellar encounters. Many such close binary systems emit X-radiation at low luminosities (LX 1034 ergs s-1) and are being found in large numbers through observations with the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Here we present conclusive observational evidence of a link between the number of close binaries observed in X-rays in a globular cluster and the stellar encounter rate of the cluster. We also make an estimate of the total number of LMXBs in globular clusters in our Galaxy.

On variations in the peak luminosity of type ia supernovae

Abstract: We explore the idea that the observed variations in the peak luminosities of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) originate in part from a scatter in metallicity of the main-sequence stars that become white dwarfs. Previous numerical studies have not self-consistently explored metallicities greater than solar. One-dimensional Chandrasekhar mass models of SNe Ia produce most of their 56Ni in a burn to nuclear statistical equilibrium between the mass shells 0.2 and 0.8 M?, for which the electron-to-nucleon ratio Ye is constant during the burn. We show analytically that under these conditions, charge and mass conservation constrain the mass of 56Ni produced to depend linearly on the original metallicity of the white dwarf progenitor. Detailed postprocessing of W7-like models confirms this linear dependence. The effect that we have identified is most evident at metallicities larger than solar and is in agreement with previous self-consistent calculations over the metallicity range common to both calculations. The observed scatter in the metallicity (-3 Z?) of the solar neighborhood is enough to induce a 25% variation in the mass of 56Ni ejected by SNe Ia. This is sufficient to vary the peak V-band brightness by |?MV| ? 0.2. This scatter in metallicity is present out to the limiting redshifts of current observations (z 1). Sedimentation of 22Ne can possibly amplify the variation in 56Ni mass to 50%. Further numerical studies can determine if other metallicity-induced effects, such as a change in the mass of the 56Ni-producing region, offset or enhance the variation that we identify.

A Tidally-Disrupted Asteroid Around the White Dwarf G29-38

Abstract: The infrared excess around the white dwarf G29-38 can be explained by emission from an opaque flat ring of dust with an inner radius 0.14 of the radius of the Sun and an outer radius approximately equal to the Sun's. This ring lies within the Roche region of the white dwarf where an asteroid could have been tidally destroyed, producing a system reminiscent of Saturn's rings. Accretion onto the white dwarf from this circumstellar dust can explain the observed calcium abundance in the atmosphere of G29-38. Either as a bombardment by a series of asteroids or because of one large disruption, the total amount of matter accreted onto the white dwarf may have been comparable to the total mass of asteroids in the Solar System, or, equivalently, about 1% of the mass in the asteroid belt around the main sequence star zeta Lep.

Dynamical Formation of Close Binary Systems in Globular Clusters

Abstract: We know from observations that globular clusters are very efficient catalysts in forming unusual short-period binary systems or their offspring, such as low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs; neutron stars accreting matter from low-mass stellar companions), cataclysmic variables (CVs; white dwarfs accreting matter from stellar companions), and millisecond pulsars (MSPs; rotating neutron stars with spin periods of a few ms). Although there has been little direct evidence, the overabundance of these objects in globular clusters has been attributed by numerous authors to the high densities in the cores, which leads to an increase in the formation rate of exotic binary systems through close stellar encounters. Many such close binary systems emit X-radiation at low luminosities (L_x < 10^{34} erg/s) and are being found in large numbers through observations with the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Here we present conclusive observational evidence for a link between the number of close binaries observed in X-rays in a globular cluster and the stellar encounter rate of the cluster. We also make an estimate of the total number of LMXBs in globular clusters in our Galaxy.

A young white dwarf companion to pulsar B1620-26: evidence for early planet formation.

Abstract: The pulsar B1620-26 has two companions, one of stellar mass and one of planetary mass. We detected the stellar companion with the use of Hubble Space Telescope observations. The color and magnitude of the stellar companion indicate that it is an undermassive white dwarf (0.34 ± 0.04 solar mass) of age 480 × 106 ± 140 × 106 years. This places a constraint on the recent history of this triple system and supports a scenario in which the current configuration arose through a dynamical exchange interaction in the cluster core. This implies that planets may be relatively common in low-metallicity globular clusters and that planet formation is more widespread and has happened earlier than previously believed.

HE0107-5240, A Chemically Ancient Star.I. A Detailed Abundance Analysis

Abstract: We report a detailed abundance analysis for HE0107-5240, a halo giant with [Fe/H]_NLTE=-5.3. This star was discovered in the course of follow-up medium-resolution spectroscopy of extremely metal-poor candidates selected from the digitized Hamburg/ESO objective-prism survey. On the basis of high-resolution VLT/UVES spectra, we derive abundances for 8 elements (C, N, Na, Mg, Ca, Ti, Fe, and Ni), and upper limits for another 12 elements. A plane-parallel LTE model atmosphere has been specifically tailored for the chemical composition of {\he}. Scenarios for the origin of the abundance pattern observed in the star are discussed. We argue that HE0107-5240 is most likely not a post-AGB star, and that the extremely low abundances of the iron-peak, and other elements, are not due to selective dust depletion. The abundance pattern of HE0107-5240 can be explained by pre-enrichment from a zero-metallicity type-II supernova of 20-25M_Sun, plus either self-enrichment with C and N, or production of these elements in the AGB phase of a formerly more massive companion, which is now a white dwarf. However, significant radial velocity variations have not been detected within the 52 days covered by our moderate-and high-resolution spectra. Alternatively, the abundance pattern can be explained by enrichment of the gas cloud from which HE0107-5240 formed by a 25M_Sun first-generation star exploding as a subluminous SNII, as proposed by Umeda & Nomoto (2003). We discuss consequences of the existence of HE0107-5240 for low-mass star formation in extremely metal-poor environments, and for currently ongoing and future searches for the most metal-poor stars in the Galaxy.

Spectroscopy of New High Proper Motion Stars in the Northern Sky. I. New Nearby Stars, New High-Velocity Stars, and an Enhanced Classification Scheme for M Dwarfs

Abstract: We define an enhanced spectral classification scheme for M dwarf stars and use it to derive spectral classification of 104 northern stars with proper motions larger than 05 yr-1 that we discovered in a survey of high proper motion stars at low Galactic latitudes. The final tally is as follows: 54 M dwarfs, 25 sdK and sdM subdwarfs, 14 esdK and esdM extreme subdwarfs, and 11 DA and DC white dwarfs. Among the most interesting cases, we find one star to be the coolest subdwarf ever reported (LSR 2036+5059, with spectral type sdM7.5), a new M9.0 dwarf only about 6 pc distant (LSR 1835+3259), and a new M6.5 dwarf only 7 pc from the Sun (LSR 2124+4003). Spectroscopic distances suggests that 27 of the M dwarfs, three of the white dwarfs, and one of the subdwarfs (LSR 2036+5059) are within 25 pc of the Sun, making them excellent candidates for inclusion in the solar neighborhood census. Estimated sky-projected velocities suggest that most of our subdwarfs and extreme subdwarfs have halo kinematics. We find that several white dwarfs and non–metal-poor M dwarfs also have kinematics consistent with the halo, and we briefly discuss their possible origin.

The True Incidence of Magnetism Among Field White Dwarfs

Abstract: We study the incidence of magnetism in white dwarfs from three large and well-observed samples of hot, cool, and nearby white dwarfs in order to test whether the fraction of magnetic degenerates is biased and whether it varies with effective temperature, cooling age, or distance. The magnetic fraction is considerably higher for the cool sample of Bergeron, Ruiz, & Leggett and the Holberg, Oswalt, & Sion sample of local white dwarfs than it is for the generally hotter white dwarfs of the Palomar-Green survey. We show that the mean mass of magnetic white dwarfs in this survey is 0.93 M⊙ or more, so there may be a strong bias against their selection in the magnitude-limited Palomar-Green survey. We argue that this bias is not as important in the samples of cool and nearby white dwarfs. However, this bias may not account for all of the difference in the magnetic fractions of these samples. It is not clear that the magnetic white dwarfs in the cool and local samples are drawn from the same population as the hotter PG stars. In particular, two or three of the cool sample are low-mass white dwarfs in unresolved binary systems. Moreover, there is a suggestion from the local sample that the fractional incidence may increase with decreasing temperature, luminosity, and/or cooling age. Overall, the true incidence of magnetism at the level of ~2 MG or greater is at least ~10%, and it could be higher. Limited studies capable of detecting lower field strengths down to ~10 kG suggest by implication that the total fraction may be substantially higher then 10%.

White dwarf donors in ultracompact binaries: the stellar structure of finite-entropy objects

Abstract: We discuss the mass-radius (M-R) relations for low-mass (M < 0.1 M☉) white dwarfs (WDs) of arbitrary degeneracy and evolved (He, C, O) composition. We do so with both a simple analytical model and models calculated by integration of hydrostatic balance using a modern equation of state valid for fully ionized plasmas. The M-R plane is divided into three regions where either Coulomb physics, degenerate electrons, or a classical gas dominates the WD structure. For a given M and central temperature Tc, the M-R relation has two branches differentiated by the model's entropy content. We present the M-R relations for a sequence of constant-entropy WDs of arbitrary degeneracy parameterized by M and Tc for pure He, C, and O. We discuss the applications of these models to the recently discovered accreting millisecond pulsars. We show the relationship between the orbital inclination for these binaries and the donor's composition and Tc. In particular, we find from orbital inclination constraints that the probability XTE J1807-294 can accommodate a He donor is approximately 15%, while for XTE J0929-304 it is approximately 35%. We argue that if the donors in ultracompact systems evolve adiabatically, there should be 60-160 more systems at orbital periods of 40 minutes than at orbital periods of 10 minutes, depending on the donor's composition. Tracks of our mass-radius relations for He, C, and O objects are available in the electronic version of this paper.

Mass Transfer between Double White Dwarfs

Abstract: Three periodically variable stars have recently been discovered (V407 Vul, P=9.5 min; ES Cet, P=10.3 min; RX J0806.3+1527, P=5.3 min) with properties that suggest that their photometric periods are also their orbital periods, making them the most compact binary stars known. If true, this might indicate that close, detached, double white dwarfs are able to survive the onset of mass transfer caused by gravitational wave radiation and emerge as the semi-detached, hydrogen-deficient stars known as the AM CVn stars. The accreting white dwarfs in such systems are large compared to the orbital separations. This has two effects: first it makes it likely that the mass transfer stream can hit the accretor directly, and second it causes a loss of angular momentum from the orbit which can destabilise the mass transfer unless the angular momentum lost to the accretor can be transferred back to the orbit. The effect of the destabilisation is to reduce the number of systems which survive mass transfer by as much as one hundred-fold. In this paper we analyse this destabilisation and the stabilising effect of a dissipative torque between the accretor and the binary orbit. We obtain analytic criteria for the stability of both disc-fed and direct impact accretion, and carry out numerical integrations to assess the importance of secondary effects, the chief one being that otherwise stable systems can exceed the Eddington accretion rate. We show that to have any effect upon survival rates, the synchronising torque must act on a timescale of order 1000 years or less. If synchronisation torques are this strong, then they will play a significant role in the spin rates of white dwarfs in cataclysmic variable stars as well.

Cataclysmic variables with evolved secondaries and the progenitors of AM CVn stars

Abstract: We present the results of a systematic study of cataclysmic variables (CVs) and related systems, combining detailed binary-population synthesis (BPS) models with a grid of 120 binary evolution sequences calculated with a Henyey-type stellar evolution code. In these sequences, we used three masses for the white dwarf (0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 M-circle dot) and seven masses for the donor star in the range of 0.6-1.4 M-circle dot . The shortest orbital periods were chosen to have initially unevolved secondaries, and the longest orbital period for each secondary mass was taken to be just longer than the bifurcation period (16-22 h), beyond which systems evolve towards long orbital periods. These calculations show that systems that start with evolved secondaries near the end or just after their main-sequence phase become ultracompact systems with periods as short as similar to7 min. These systems are excellent candidates for AM Canum Venaticorum (AM CVn) stars. Using a standard BPS code, we show how the properties of CVs at the beginning of mass transfer depend on the efficiency for common-envelope (CE) ejection and the efficiency of magnetic braking. In our standard model, where CE ejection is efficient, some 10 per cent of all CVs have initially evolved secondaries (with a central hydrogen abundance X-c<0.4) and ultimately become ultracompact systems (implying a Galactic birth rate for AM CVn-like stars of similar to10(-3) yr(-1)). While these systems do not experience a period gap between 2 and 3 h, their presence in the gap does not destroy its distinct appearance. Almost all CVs with orbital periods longer than similar to5 h are found to have initially evolved or relatively massive secondaries. Based on a preliminary analysis, we find that their distribution of effective temperatures appears to be in reasonably good agreement with the distribution of spectral types obtained by Beuermann et al.

Have the Elusive Progenitors of Supernovae Type Ia Been Discovered

Abstract: The recent detection of H-alpha emission in the supernova Type Ia SN 2002ic could be taken to mean that the elusive progenitor systems of Type Ia supernovae have finally been identified. At first glance, the observation appears to support a single-degenerate scenario, in which the white dwarf accretes from a normal companion. In this Letter we show that the opposite may be true, and the observations may support the merger of two white dwarfs as the cause for Type Ia supernovae.

Magnetic White Dwarfs from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey: The First Data Release

Abstract: Beyond its goals related to the extragalactic universe, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) is an effective tool for identifying stellar objects with unusual spectral energy distributions. Here we report on the 53 new magnetic white dwarfs discovered during the first two years of the survey, including 38 whose data are made public in the 1500 deg2 First Data Release. Discoveries span the magnitude range 16.3 ≤ g ≤ 20.5, and based on the recovery rate for previously known magnetic white dwarfs, the completeness of the SDSS appears to be high for reasonably hot stars with B 3 MG and g 15. The new objects nearly double the total number of known magnetic white dwarfs and include examples with polar field strengths Bp > 500 MG, as well as several with exotic atmospheric compositions. The improved sample statistics and uniformity indicate that the distribution of magnetic white dwarfs has a broad peak in the range ~5-30 MG and a tail extending to nearly 109 G. Degenerates with polar fields Bp 50 MG are consistent with being descendents of magnetic Ap/Bp main-sequence stars, but low- and moderate-field magnetic white dwarfs appear to imply another origin. Yet-undetected magnetic F-type stars with convective envelopes that destroy the ordered underlying field are attractive candidates.

Have the Elusive Progenitors of Type Ia Supernovae Been Discovered

Abstract: The recent detection of Hα emission in the Type Ia supernova SN 2002ic could be taken to mean that the elusive progenitor systems of Type Ia supernovae have finally been identified. At first glance, the observation appears to support a single-degenerate scenario, in which the white dwarf accretes from a normal companion. In this Letter we show that the opposite may be true, and the observations may support the merger of two white dwarfs as the cause for Type Ia supernovae.

The Chemical Composition of White Dwarfs as a Test of Convective Efficiency during Core Helium Burning

Abstract: Pulsating white dwarfs provide constraints to the evolution of progenitor stars. We revise He-burning stellar models, with particular attention to core convection and to its connection with the nuclear reactions powering energy generation and chemical evolution. Theoretical results are compared to the available measurements for the variable white dwarf GD 358, which indicate a rather large abundance of central oxygen (Metcalfe and coworkers). We show that the attempt to constrain the relevant nuclear reaction rate by means of the white dwarf composition is faced with a large degree of uncertainty related to evaluating the efficiency of convection-induced mixing. By combining the uncertainty of the convection theory with the error on the relevant reaction rate, we derive that the present theoretical prediction for the central oxygen mass fraction in white dwarfs varies between 0.3 and 0.9. Unlike previous claims, we find that models taking into account semiconvection and a moderate 12C(α,γ)16O reaction rate are able to account for a high central oxygen abundance. The rate of the 12C(α,γ)16O used in these models agrees with the one recently obtained in laboratory experiments by Kunz and coworkers. On the other hand, when semiconvection is inhibited, as in the case of classical models (bare Schwarzschild criterion) or in models with mechanical overshoot, an extremely high rate of the 12C(α,γ)16O reaction is needed to account for a large oxygen production. Finally, we show that the apparent discrepancy between our result and those reported in previous studies depends on the method used to avoid the convective runaways (the so-called breathing pulses) that are usually encountered in modeling late stage of core He-burning phase.

Stellar Archaeology: A Keck Pilot Program on Extremely Metal-Poor Stars From the Hamburg/ESO Survey. III. The Lead (Pb) Star HE 0024−2523* **

Abstract: We present a detailed abundance analysis, including spectral syntheses, of a very metal-poor ([Fe/H] -2.7) peculiar main-sequence star (HE 0024-2523) detected during the course of the Keck Pilot Program. Radial velocities of this star were obtained during four different observing runs over a time span of 1.1 yr and demonstrate that it is clearly a short-period spectroscopic binary. An orbital solution was obtained, and orbital parameters were determined with high precision. The rotational velocity was also measured (vrot sin i = 9.7 ? 1.5 km s-1); rotation appears likely to be synchronous with the orbit. The abundance analysis and spectral syntheses indicate that the object is a CH star characterized by extreme s-process enrichment, likely due to mass accretion from an evolved companion that has now probably become a white dwarf. The lead (Pb) abundance of (HE 0024-2523) is very high, the same as that of the recently discovered lead-rich, metal-poor star CS 29526-110, [Pb/Fe] = +3.3. The abundance ratio of the heavy to light s-elements, as characterized by Pb and Ba, [Pb/Ba] = +1.9, is the highest yet found for any metal-poor star and is about 0.7 dex higher than that of CS 29526-110. On the basis of the measured isotopic ratio of carbon (C12/C13 ~ 6) we argue that the mass donor must have had an original mass of at least ~3 M?. The unusually short period of this CH star suggests that it underwent a past common-envelope phase with its evolved companion. Our results are compared with the latest available models for asymptotic giant branch yields and s-process nucleosynthesis. We also discuss the possible connection between HE 0024-2523, the lithium depletion of halo stars, and halo blue straggler formation.

Abundance Analysis of HE 2148–1247, A Star with Extremely Enhanced Neutron Capture Elements

Abstract: Abundances for 27 elements in the very metal-poor dwarf star HE 2148-1247 are presented, including many of the neutron capture elements. We establish that HE 2148-1247 is a very highly s-process-enhanced star with anomalously high Eu as well, Eu/H ~ half-solar, demonstrating the large addition of heavy nuclei at [Fe/H] = -2.3 dex. Ba and La are enhanced by a somewhat larger factor and reach the solar abundance, while Pb significantly exceeds it, thus demonstrating the addition of substantial s-process material. Ba/Eu is 10 times the solar r-process ratio but much less than that of the s-process, indicating a substantial r-process addition as well. C and N are also very highly enhanced. We have found that HE 2148-1247 is a radial velocity variable; it is probably a small-amplitude long-period binary. The C, N, and the s-process element enhancements were thus presumably produced through mass transfer from a former asymptotic giant branch (AGB) binary companion. The large enhancement of heavy r-nuclides also requires an additional source as this is far above any inventory in the interstellar medium at such low [Fe/H]. We consider that the s-process material was added by mass transfer of a more massive companion during its thermally pulsating AGB phase and ending up as a white dwarf. We further hypothesize that accretion onto the white dwarf from the envelope of the star caused accretion-induced collapse of the white dwarf, forming a neutron star, which then produced heavy r-nuclides and again contaminated its companion. This mechanism in a binary system can thus enhance the envelope of the lower mass star in s- and r-process material sequentially. Through analysis of the neutron capture element abundances taken from the literature for a large sample of very metal-poor stars, we demonstrate, as exemplified by HE 2148-1247, that mass transfer in a suitable binary can be very efficient in enhancing the heavy elements in a star; it appears to be capable of enhancing the s-process elements in very metal-poor stars to near the solar abundance but not substantially above it. The yield of Pb relative to Ba appears to vary among very metal-poor stars.

Theoretical Modeling of the Thermal State of Accreting White Dwarfs Undergoing Classical Novae

Abstract: White dwarfs experience a thermal renaissance when they receive mass from a stellar companion in a binary. For accretion rates >~ 10^-10 Msun/yr, and that for below this the particular author's assumption concerning T_c, which we calculate consistently, is a determining factor. Initial comparisons of our CN ignition masses with measured ejected masses find reasonable agreement and point to ejection of material comparable to that accreted.

Magnetic White Dwarfs from the SDSS. The First Data Release

Abstract: Beyond its goals related to the extragalactic universe, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) is an effective tool for identifying stellar objects with unusual spectral energy distributions. Here we report on the 53 new magnetic white dwarfs discovered during the first two years of the survey, including 38 whose data are made public in the 1500 square-degree First Data Release. Discoveries span the magnitude range 16.3 3 MG and g > 15. The new objects nearly double the total number of known magnetic white dwarfs, and include examples with polar field strengths B > 500 MG as well as several with exotic atmospheric compositions. The improved sample statistics and uniformity indicate that the distribution of magnetic white dwarfs has a broad peak in the range ~5-30 MG and a tail extending to nearly 10^9 G. Degenerates with polar fields B > 50 MG are consistent with being descendents of magnetic Ap/Bp main-sequence stars, but low- and moderate-field magnetic white dwarfs appear to imply another origin. Yet-undetected magnetic F-type stars with convective envelopes that destroy the ordered underlying field are attractive candidates.

Abundance Analysis of HE2148-1247, A Star With Extremely Enhanced Neutron Capture Elements

Abstract: Abundances for 27 elements in the very metal poor dwarf star HE2148-1247 are presented, including many of the neutron capture elements. We establish that HE2148-1247 is a very highly s-process enhanced star with anomalously high Eu as well, Eu/H about half Solar, demonstrating the large addition of heavy nuclei at [Fe/H] = -2.3 dex. Ba and La are enhanced by a somewhat larger factor and reach the solar abundance, while Pb significantly exceeds it. Ba/Eu is ten times the solar r-process ratio but much less than that of the s-process, indicating a substantial r-process addition as well. C and N are also very highly enhanced. We have found that HE2148-1247 is a radial velocity variable. The C, N and the s-process element enhancements thus presumably were produced through mass transfer from a former AGB binary companion. The large enhancement of heavy r-nuclides also requires an additional source as this is far above any inventory in the ISM at such low [Fe/H]. We further hypothesize that accretion onto the white dwarf from the envelope of the star caused accretion induced collapse of the white dwarf, forming a neutron star, which then produced heavy r-nuclides and again contaminated its companion. (abridged)

Measuring White Dwarf Accretion Rates via Their Effective Temperatures

Abstract: Our previous theoretical study of the impact of an accreting envelope on the thermal state of an underlying white dwarf (WD) has yielded equilibrium core temperatures, classical nova ignition masses, and thermal luminosities for WDs accreting at time-averaged rates of = 10-11 to 10-8 M☉ yr-1. These values are appropriate to WDs in cataclysmic variables (CVs) of Porb 7 hr, many of which accrete sporadically as dwarf novae. Approximately 30 nonmagnetic dwarf novae have been observed in quiescence, when the accretion rate is low enough for spectral detection of the WD photosphere and a measurement of Teff. We use our theoretical work to translate the measured Teff values into local time-averaged accretion rates, confirming the factor of 10 drop in predicted for CVs as they transit the period gap. For dwarf novae below the period gap, we show that if is that given by gravitational radiation losses alone, then the WD masses are greater than 0.8 M☉. An alternative conclusion is that the masses are closer to 0.6 M☉ and is 3-4 times larger than that expected from gravitational radiation losses. In either case, it is very plausible that a subset of CVs with Porb < 2 hr will have Teff values low enough for them to become nonradial pulsators, as discovered by van Zyl and collaborators for GW Lib.

The X-ray and extreme-ultraviolet flux evolution of SS Cygni throughout outburst

Abstract: We present the most complete multiwavelength coverage of any dwarf nova outburst: simultaneous optical, Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer and Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer observations of SS Cygni throughout a narrow asymmetric outburst. Our data show that the high-energy outburst begins in the X-ray waveband 0.9–1.4 d after the beginning of the optical rise and 0.6 d before the extreme-ultraviolet rise. The X-ray flux drops suddenly, immediately before the extreme-ultraviolet flux rise, supporting the view that both components arise in the boundary layer between the accretion disc and white dwarf surface. The early rise of the X-ray flux shows that the propagation time of the outburst heating wave may have been previously overestimated. The transitions between X-ray and extreme-ultraviolet dominated emission are accompanied by intense variability in the X-ray flux, with time-scales of minutes. As detailed by Mauche & Robinson, dwarf nova oscillations are detected throughout the extreme-ultraviolet outburst, but we find they are absent from the X-ray light curve. X-ray and extreme-ultraviolet luminosities imply accretion rates of 3 × 1015 g s−1 in quiescence, 1 × 1016 g s−1 when the boundary layer becomes optically thick, and ∼1018 g s−1 at the peak of the outburst. The quiescent accretion rate is two and a half orders of magnitude higher than predicted by the standard disc instability model, and we suggest this may be because the inner accretion disc in SS Cyg is in a permanent outburst state.

The CFHT Open Star Cluster Survey. IV. Two Rich, Young Open Star Clusters: NGC 2168 (M35) and NGC 2323 (M50)

Abstract: We continue our study of rich Galactic clusters by presenting deep CCD observations of both NGC 2168 (M35) and NGC 2323 (M50). Both clusters are found to be rich (NGC 2168 contains at least 1000 stars brighter than V = 22, and NGC 2323 contains ~2100 stars brighter than our photometric limit of V ~ 23) and young (NGC 2168 age = 180 Myr and for NGC 2323 age = 130 Myr). The color-magnitude diagrams for the clusters exhibit clear main sequences stretching over 14 mag in the (V, B-V)-plane. Comparing these long main sequences with those of earlier clusters in the survey, as well as with the Hyades, has allowed for accurate distances to be established for each cluster (for NGC 2168 d = 912 pc and for NGC 2323 d = 1000 pc). Analysis of the luminosity and mass functions suggests that, despite their young ages, both clusters are somewhat dynamically relaxed, exhibiting signs of mass segregation. This is especially interesting in the case of NGC 2323, which has an age of only 1.3 times the dynamical relaxation time. The present photometry is also deep enough to detect all of the white dwarfs in both clusters. We discuss some interesting candidates that may be the remnants of quite massive (M ≥ 5 M⊙) progenitor stars. The white dwarf cooling age of NGC 2168 is found to be in good agreement with the main-sequence turnoff age. These objects are potentially very important for setting constraints on the white dwarf initial-final mass relationship and the upper mass limit for white dwarf production.