Magnetic fields and the nova outburst

Journal Article · Mon Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/154197· OSTI ID:7365127

Rose, W K; Scott, E H

Surface magnetic fields of approx.10/sup 6/--10/sup 7/ gauss have been inferred from polarization observations of the old nova DQ Her. Such strong magnetic fields will probably lead to corotation of the core and envelope of the white dwarf. Assuming a rotation period of 142 s, this corotation will lead to centrifugal forces sufficient to counterbalance gravity as the star's envelope expands during the outburst, and consequently a centrifugal wind that will lead to the loss of mass and angular momentum is likely to be produced. Another probable effect of the high magnetic fields will be to suppress convection in the outer portions of the white dwarf's envelope and thus cause mass loss when the stellar luminosity exceeds the Eddington limit. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Astronomy Program and Center for Theoretical Physics, University of Maryland, College Park
• OSTI ID: 7365127
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 204:2; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ANGULAR MOMENTUM
ATMOSPHERES
CONVECTION
DWARF STARS
ENERGY TRANSFER
HEAT TRANSFER
LUMINOSITY
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MASS
NOVAE
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POLARIZATION
STARS
STELLAR ATMOSPHERES
STELLAR WINDS
WHITE DWARF STARS