Modeling the White Dwarf Binary Systems Gaia DR2 3150 and GD 803
Faculty Sponsor
Todd Hillwig
College
College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)
Department/Program
Physics and Astronomy
ORCID Identifier(s)
0009-0009-8257-4043
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Summer 7-23-2025
Abstract
White dwarfs are the final stage in a sun-like star’s life cycle. They are the remnants of the star’s core and are typically made of carbon and oxygen. Sometimes, these white dwarfs can be in orbit with another star, which are referred to as binary systems. We can understand more about white dwarf binaries by using computational modelling. We modelled the two close binary systems of Gaia DR2 3150 and GD 803, which have a white dwarf and a cool main star. This was done by adjusting the values within modeling software for the temperature, mass, and radius of both the white dwarf and sun-like star, along with the inclination of the system and secondary albedo of the sun-like star. The output model was then visually compared to light curves of Gaia DR2 3150 and for light curves and radial velocity curves of GD 803. Here we present our results for each of the two systems and discuss difficulties and possible next steps.
Recommended Citation
Osterhus, Joel and Webber, Angela, "Modeling the White Dwarf Binary Systems Gaia DR2 3150 and GD 803" (2025). Summer Interdisciplinary Research Symposium. 269.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/sires/269
