Kilo-Gauss Magnetic Fields in Three DA White Dwarfs

R. Aznar Cuadrado, S. Jordan, R. Napiwotzki, H.M. Schmid, S.K. Solanki, G. Mathys

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

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Abstract

We have detected longitudinal magnetic fields between 2 and 4 kG in three normal DA white dwarfs (WD0446¡790, WD1105¡048, WD2359¡434) out of a sample of 12 by using optical spectropolarimetry done with the VLT Antu 8 m telescope equipped with FORS1. With the exception of 40 Eri B (4 kG) these are the first positive detections of magnetic fields in white dwarfs below 30 kG. A detection rate of 25 % (3/12) may indicate now for the first time that a substantial fraction of white dwarfs have weak magnetic fields. This result, if confirmed by future observations, would form a cornerstone for our understanding of the evolution of stellar magnetic fields.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIn: Procs of the 14th European Workshop on White Dwarfs - ASP Conference Series 334
PublisherAstronomical Society of the Pacific
Pages159-164
ISBN (Print)1-58381-197-4, 978-1-58381-268-6
Publication statusPublished - 2005

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