Revisiting some physics issues related to the new mass limit for magnetized white dwarfs

TL;DR

This paper clarifies key physics issues behind the new super-Chandrasekhar mass limit for magnetized white dwarfs, examining magnetic field stability, density contributions, flux freezing, and observational aspects.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the physical assumptions and implications of the new mass limit, addressing debates on magnetic field effects and stability.

Findings

High magnetic fields can support super-Chandrasekhar masses.

Magnetic field contributions significantly affect white dwarf structure.

Observational evidence for highly magnetized white dwarfs remains inconclusive.

Abstract

We clarify important physics issues related to the recently established new mass limit for magnetized white dwarfs which is significantly super-Chandrasekhar. The issues include, justification of high magnetic field and the corresponding formation of stable white dwarfs, contribution of the magnetic field to the total density and pressure, flux freezing, variation of magnetic field and related currents therein. We also attempt to address the observational connection of such highly magnetized white dwarfs.