The luminosity function of DA white dwarfs

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

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Star Formation, Stellar Color, Stellar Luminosity, White Dwarf Stars, Blue Stars, Star Distribution, Stellar Magnitude, Stellar Temperature, Ultraviolet Astronomy

Scientific paper

The luminosity function and local space density of DA white dwarfs has been calculated using a complete sample of 353 DA white dwarfs, spectroscopically identified from the Palomar-Green (PG) survey of ultraviolet excess objects. The result, assuming a scale height of 250 pc, is 0.49±0.05 DAs per 1000 pc3 for Mv < 12.75. This number is less than half of the earlier value of Green (1980) because of many misclassifications in the earlier sample. The observed luminosity function is in excellent agreement with theoretical models, in the intermediate and cool temperature range. The assumed constant rate of white dwarf formation is calculated to be between 4.9 and 7.5×10-13yr-1pc-3, which is only 25% - 40% of the currently accepted, but uncertain, birthrate for planetary nebulae. Further, there is not enough matter in the Galaxy tied up in white dwarfs to affect significantly the Oort limit deficit problem.

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