Princeton University Gravity Initiative Seminar Series

Abstract: This is an exciting time for stellar astrophysics as high-cadence time domain surveys (Gaia, PTF, ZTF, ATLAS, Kepler, TESS, and, in the near future, the Vera Rubin Observatory) are revolutionizing the landscape of stellar studies by allowing the exploration of the dynamic sky. Furthermore, spectroscopic surveys are ongoing (SDSS V, DESI, WEAVE, 4MOST  etc.), which will provide spectral classifications for millions of stars. Space missions are also opening new windows on stars and their remnants: 2021 alone saw the launch of JWST, with its unprecedented sensitivity in the infrared, and the first public release of the all-sky X-ray telescope eROSITA. And LISA and Roman are just around the corner. White dwarfs are at the center of this stellar revolution, as the new facilities have enabled tackling some unsolved mysteries concerning white dwarfs and their far-reaching implications for many fields of astrophysics, from the evolution of stars and their planetary systems, to supernovae, to multimessenger sources.  In my talk, I will show some results on variable white dwarfs of all kinds: from white dwarfs in binaries, to white dwarfs surrounded by planetary debris, to magnetic double-white dwarf merger remnants to double-faced white dwarfs.