Molecules in white dwarfs

Abstract

Molecular dissociation equilibrium calculations were done for the model atmospheres of DA and non-DA white dwarfs. Our calculations show that He 2 + and HeH+ appear as most abundant molecules in the atmospheres of non-DA white dwarfs while H2 and H 2 + are most abundant molecules in DA white dwarfs. It is suggested that these molecules should be searched for in the atmospheres of white dwarfs.