A New Small-Amplitude Variable Hot DQ White Dwarf

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of the fastest, smallest amplitude hot DQ white dwarf with unique spectral features, revealing new insights into variability in carbon-dominated atmosphere white dwarfs.

Contribution

It introduces a new hot DQ white dwarf exhibiting low-amplitude, harmonic photometric variations and potential hydrogen presence, expanding understanding of variability in these stars.

Findings

Identified two harmonic periodicities at 169 s and 339 s.

Star shows the smallest amplitude among known hot DQ variables.

Spectral analysis suggests possible hydrogen presence.

Abstract

We present the discovery of photometric variations in the carbon-dominated atmosphere (hot DQ) white dwarf star SDSS J133710.19-002643.6. We find evidence for two low-amplitude, harmonically-related periodicities at 169 s and 339 s, making it the fastest and smallest amplitude of the four known hot DQ variables and the only variable whose spectrum suggests the presence of hydrogen. The star's fundamental and harmonic amplitudes are roughly equal, and its pulse shape is similar to the other two members of the class with detected harmonics. Like the other variables, it appears relatively stable in frequency and amplitude.