Computer Science
Scientific paper
May 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006sptz.prop30208k&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #30208
Computer Science
Scientific paper
We performed a Spitzer/IRAC survey of 18 nearby cool white dwarfs in Cycle 1 and 2 in order to explore their flux distributions in the mid-infrared. Surprisingly, we discovered significant flux deficits in Spitzer observations of five hydrogen-rich white dwarfs cooler than 6000 K. These mid-infrared flux deficits are not predicted by state-of-the-art white dwarf models including current treatments of collision induced absorption due to molecular hydrogen. This newly discovered problem in white dwarf atmospheres prevents us from inferring the ages of the Galactic disk and halo to better than 20 percent. We propose to extend our survey to the coolest/oldest white dwarfs in the Galaxy to develop our understanding of ultra-cool white dwarf atmospheres and help us place better constraints on the age of the Galaxy. We propose to obtain IRAC photometry of 52 cool white dwarfs with ages ranging from 3 to ~10 billion years. We also propose for IRS follow-up spectroscopy of the most compelling and brightest two objects that show signs of significant mid-infrared flux deficits.
Burrows Adam
Hippel Ted von
Kilic Mukremin
Kuchner Marc
Reach William
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