An Empirical Test of the Theory of Crystallization in Stellar Interiors
The Astrophysical Journal1997Vol. 487(2), pp. L191–L194
Citations Over TimeTop 12% of 1997 papers
Abstract
Our theoretical calculations indicate that the massive pulsating DA white dwarf, BPM 37093, has a crystallized ion interior. Our estimates for the crystallized mass fraction depend on our assumption for the interior composition and range from 10% for pure carbon and low total mass to more than 90% for pure oxygen and high total mass; the mass of this white dwarf suggests on theoretical grounds that the core composition is unlikely to be lighter than oxygen. Our best estimate is that the crystallized mass fraction exceeds 90%.