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Title: Ensemble evolutionary studies of white dwarfs in open star clusters
Abstract White dwarfs (WDs) in open star clusters are a highly useful ensemble of stars. While numerous researchers use open cluster WDs to study the initial-final mass relation, numerous other evolutionary studies are also enabled by this sample of stars, including searches for stochastic mass loss, studies of binary star evolution, and measurements of metallicity impacts on WD formation and evolution. However, it is crucial to use astrometric data such as proper motions to remove contaminating field WDs from open cluster samples; multi-epoch ground based imaging is needed for most open cluster WDs. Also, the strongly correlated errors in the initial mass - final mass plane must be considered; we illustrate the importance of this consideration using a large open cluster WD sample and Monte Carlo techniques.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1910551
PAR ID:
10216607
Author(s) / Creator(s):
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union
Volume:
15
Issue:
S357
ISSN:
1743-9213
Page Range / eLocation ID:
179 to 183
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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