Additional ultracool white dwarfs found in the sloan digital sky survey

Hugh C. Harris, Evalyn Gates, Geza Gyuk, Mark Subbarao, Scott F. Anderson, Patrick B. Hall, Jeffrey A. Munn, James Liebert, Gillian R. Knapp, D. Bizyaev, E. Malanushenko, V. Malanushenko, K. Pan, Donald P. Schneider, J. Allyn Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

We identify seven new ultracool white dwarfs discovered in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). The SDSS photometry, spectra, and proper motions are presented, and additional BVRI data are given for these and other previously discovered ultracool white dwarfs. The observed colors span a remarkably wide range, qualitatively similar to colors predicted by models for very cool white dwarfs. One of the new stars (SDSS J1251+44) exhibits strong collision-induced absorption (CIA) in its spectra, while the spectra and colors of the other six are consistent with mild CIA. Another of the new discoveries (SDSS J2239+00A) is part of a binary system - its companion is also a cool white dwarf, and other data indicate that the companion exhibits an infrared flux deficiency, making this the first binary system composed of two CIA white dwarfs. A third discovery (SDSS J0310-00) has weak Balmer emission lines. The proper motions of all seven stars are consistent with membership in the disk or thick disk.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)697-703
Number of pages7
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume679
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - May 20 2008

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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