Variability of DQ White Dwarfs
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Physics and Astronomy
Date of Award
5-22-2024
Abstract
White dwarfs are born when a medium to low mass star reaches the end of its evolutionary cycle. A small subset of these stars are the DQ white dwarfs, which have a helium-rich atmosphere and show carbon features. DQs are predicted to have a binary origin, in which case they would be expected to be rapidly rotating. This paper aims to provide an analysis of time series data from the TESS satellite across hot, warm, cool, classical, and second sequence DQs in search for possible variability. An investigation of 28 DQ white dwarf stars revealed three DQ WDs to show definitive variability while 25 showed no confirmed variability. The periodogram and folded light curve analysis strongly suggests rotational variability for GJ 3614, Gaia DR2 6079710620510474240, and WD 1300-355. The variable WDs appear to be stable in period, frequency and amplitude. A harmonic can be observed for Gaia DR2 6079710620510474240 that further reinforces that the star is rotationally variable.
Advisor
Kurtis Williams
Subject Categories
Astrophysics and Astronomy | Physical Sciences and Mathematics | Physics
Recommended Citation
Adhikari, Paradesh, "Variability of DQ White Dwarfs" (2024). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 1182.
https://digitalcommons.tamuc.edu/etd/1182
