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Opacities along the line of sight to and in the atmosphere of the white dwarf in the close detached DAO+dM binary RE J0720-318

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 14:43 authored by Dobbie, PD, Barstow, MA, Burleigh, MR, Hubeny, I
We present the results from a multi-wavelength study of the mixed H+He composition DAO white dwarf RE J0720-318. A detailed analysis of UV and EUV spectroscopic data with state-of-the-art non-LTE photospheric models demonstrates that the observed opacity to EUV radiation probably results from a more complex structure than a simple H+He, chemically layered atmosphere. Instead, EUV photometry and phase resolved EUV spectroscopy indicate a likely spatial non-uniformity in the surface distribution of helium, which is consistent with a model in which material is accreted from the wind of the dM secondary. The rotational modulation of the spatially inhomogeneous EUV opacity allows us to estimate the rotation period of the white dwarf ([FORMULA] days). We have also reviewed two plausible origins proposed by Burleigh et al. (1997) and Dupuis et al. (1997a) to account for the unusual N(HI)/N(HeI) ~ 1 along this line of sight. We conclude that it is probably due to the presence of a cloud of ionized gas along this line of sight, rather than a circumbinary disk. The cloud, residing between 123-170 pc distant in the direction of the CMa ISM tunnel, may be ≳ 40 pc in length.

History

Publication title

Astronomy & Astrophysics

Volume

346

Pagination

163-174

ISSN

0004-6361

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

EDP Sciences

Place of publication

Les Ulis Cedex A France

Rights statement

Copyright 1999 Astronomy and Astrophysics

Repository Status

  • Restricted

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Expanding knowledge in the physical sciences

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