AbstractAstronomical observations at EUV (≈100–1000Å) and FUV (≈1000–2000Å) wavelengths have revolutionised our knowledge of white dwarfs and evolutionarily related objects such as subdwarfs and the nuclei of planetary nebulae. Data obtained principally with the IUE and EXOSAT observatories have revealed the presence of trace elements within white dwarf atmospheres and dramatically improved estimates of their photospheric temperatures. With these results it is now possible to begin to understand the various physical processes that determine the observed characteristics of white dwarfs, gaining a deeper insight into this late stage of stellar evolution. This review aims to summarise recent progress in this field. Attention will be paid to the role of computer generated atmospheric models in interpreting the data and understanding the results, considering their limitations and outlining areas where future work may need to be concentrated. The launch of new instrumentation will invigorate further an already exciting area of EUV and FUV astronomy. In particular, EUV sky surveys will discover many new white dwarfs expanding the statistical basis of evolutionary studies dramatically.
White dwarfs
Advances in Space Research ; 11 , 11 ; 47-56
1991-01-01
10 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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