Evolutionary timescale of the pulsating white dwarf G117-B15A: The most stable optical clock known

Abstract

We observe G117-B15A, the most precise optical clock known, to measure the rate of change of the main pulsation period of this blue-edge DAV white dwarf. Even though the obtained value is only within 1 σ, P = (2.3 ± 1.4) × 10-15 s s-1, it is already constraining the evolutionary timescale of this cooling white dwarf star.

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1086/312664

Keywords

Stars: evolution, Stars: individual (G117-B15A), Stars: oscillations

Publication Date

5-10-2000

Journal Title

Astrophysical Journal

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