NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2017A-0209 |
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PI: Timothy Brandt, Institute for Advanced Study, tbrandt@ias.edu
Address: Princeton, NJ, 08540 USA
CoI: Laurent Pueyo, STScI
CoI: Erika Nesvold, Carnegie Institution of Washington
Title: Imaging the Only Known White Dwarf with a >8 Msun Progenitor
Abstract: We propose GPI imaging of a close binary B star known to host a white dwarf from extreme UV spectroscopy. The high mass (~5.5 Msun) and unevolved state of the primary B star imply a young system age (<45 Myr) and therefore an 8-9 Msun progenitor for the white dwarf. No other known white dwarf progenitor is likely to exceed ~6-7 Msun. Imaging the white dwarf would constrain its radius (and hence its mass) and orbital evolution, providing the strongest observational constraints to date on the fate of 8-10 Msun stars.
Program Type: Standard/Galactic
Scheduled Nights:
Run 1 (2017A): GEM-SQ/GPI -- 1.5hrs band 2 (GS-2017A-Q-55)
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2017A-0209 |
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