On the radial distribution of white dwarfs in the Galactic globular cluster Omega Cen

TL;DR

This study uses Hubble Space Telescope data to analyze the spatial distribution of white dwarfs in Omega Cen, revealing that younger white dwarfs are less centrally concentrated than main sequence stars.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed comparison of white dwarf and main sequence star distributions in Omega Cen using deep HST photometry.

Findings

Younger white dwarfs are less centrally concentrated than main sequence stars.

Approximately 6,500 white dwarf candidates identified.

Evidence suggests a mild difference in radial distribution based on white dwarf age.

Abstract

We present deep and accurate photometry (F435W, F625W, F658N) of the Galactic Globular Cluster Omega Cen collected with the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) on board the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). We identified ~ 6,500 white dwarf (WD)candidates and compared their radial distribution with that of Main Sequence (MS) stars. We found a mild evidence that young WDs (0.1 < t < 0.6 Gyr) are less centrally concentrated when compared to MS stars in the magnitude range 25 < F435W < 26.5.