Computer Science
Scientific paper
May 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006sptz.prop30432b&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #30432
Computer Science
Scientific paper
Previous mid-IR observations of white dwarf stars have revealed that a small number possess debris dust disks and brown dwarf companions, marked by a mid-IR photometric excess over the expected flux from the white dwarf photosphere. The debris dust disks may originate from the tidal disruption of an asteroid or comet, indicating the presence of an old solar system. These disks have specifically been seen in a subset of cool white dwarfs with metal-rich atmospheres (the DAZs) and with temperatures between 10,000K and 15,000K. The white dwarfs are thought to accrete from this dusty material. We propose to survey with Spitzer a sample of much hotter white dwarfs (T>30,000K) which also have peculiar, unexplained metal abundances (determined by us from previous soft x-ray, EUV and far-UV observations). Through searching for excess mid-IR emission with IRAC, we aim to determine whether these white dwarfs also possess debris dust disks, from which they are accreting. Alternatively, these mid-IR observations may reveal the presence of close, substellar companions that are influencing the white dwarfs' atmospheric composition via wind accretion.
Barstow Martin
Brinkworth Carolyn
Burleigh Matt
Correia Serge
Dobbie Paul
No associations
LandOfFree
Are metal-rich hot white dwarfs accreting from dust disks or substellar companions? does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Are metal-rich hot white dwarfs accreting from dust disks or substellar companions?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Are metal-rich hot white dwarfs accreting from dust disks or substellar companions? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-934336