On the frequency of occurrence of oxygen-neon-magnesium white dwarfs in classical nova systems

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (191) References (41) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS On the Frequency of Occurrence of Oxygen-Neon-Magnesium White Dwarfs in Classical Nova Systems Truran, J. W. ; Livio, M. Abstract The question of the expected frequency of occurrence of oxygen-neon-magnesium (ONeMg) degenerate dwarfs in classical nova systems is examined. Heavy-element abundance enrichments observed in nova ejecta are reviewed, and possible interpretations of their origins are discussed. It is concluded that these abundance enrichments imply the presence of ONeMg white dwarfs, and it is estimated that they might be expected to account for a significant fraction of the observed outbursts. Particular attention is given to providing a realistic estimate of the magnitude of the selection effect which operates to insure the occurrence of a significant population of ONeMg white dwarfs in these systems. The implications of these findings are reviewed, and possible complicating factors are discussed. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: September 1986 DOI: 10.1086/164544 Bibcode: 1986ApJ...308..721T Keywords: Magnesium; Neon; Novae; Oxygen; Stellar Composition; White Dwarf Stars; Frequency Distribution; Stellar Mass Ejection; Astrophysics; STARS: ABUNDANCES; STARS: NOVAE; STARS: WHITE DWARFS full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (13)