A Search for Rotation in Cool DQ White Dwarfs
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Physics and Astronomy
Date of Award
5-22-2024
Abstract
The goal of this research project is to search for evidence of rotation in cool DQ white dwarfs (WDs) using time-series photometry. We selected several DQ WDs that were suggested from Farihi, Dufour, & Wilson (2022). We used AstroImageJ to perform data reduction. Then, we used Period04 to do Fourier transformation analysis to identify any periodic variability and calculate their frequencies and amplitudes. We were able to determine the rotation period for only one DQ WD but not other DQ WDs due to poor data quality. One DQ WD is observed to vary and it shows sign of being a merger remnant. We will apply TESS data to confirm our ground-base discovery. At present, our data cannot support the conclusion that all DQ WDs are merger remnants.
Advisor
Kurtis Williams
Subject Categories
Astrophysics and Astronomy | Physical Sciences and Mathematics | Physics
Recommended Citation
Zhu, Fangyi, "A Search for Rotation in Cool DQ White Dwarfs" (2024). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 1120.
https://digitalcommons.tamuc.edu/etd/1120
