Strong magnetic fields let white dwarfs exceed standard mass limits
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science report that intense internal magnetism allows white dwarf stars to reach masses up to 2.4 times that of the sun.
Standard stellar mass boundaries
A dying star sheds its outer layers to leave behind a dense core known as a white dwarf. Without strong rotation or magnetism, this remnant cannot exceed roughly 1.4 times the mass of our sun. Reaching this threshold often triggers a carbon explosion called a Type Ia supernova.
New simulation findings
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science ran computer models to test how magnetism affects these stars. Their results show that strong internal magnetic fields can raise the maximum allowable mass significantly. One specific model demonstrated a carbon-oxygen white dwarf reaching 2.4 times the sun's mass.
Implications for cosmic studies
If these stars are heavier than previously thought, the energy released during their explosions might vary more than expected. Astronomers have long used the consistent brightness of these supernovae to measure how fast the universe expands. This new understanding could refine calculations regarding the size and evolution of the cosmos.
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