Sampling the Local White Dwarfs
Jay Holberg
University of Arizona, LPL

The sample of local white dwarfs within 20 pc of the sun currently contains some 126 stars and is about 80% complete. Beyond this distance completeness falls significantly. Nevertheless, there are many compelling reasons for extending the local sample to greater distances, while simultaneously maintaining a high level of completeness. Justifications for such a larger relatively unbiased local sample include determinations of the luminosity white dwarf function as well as better characterizations of the degenerate population in terms of, binarity, space motions, and photospheric chemical compositions. I will discuss prospects for expanding the local sample and some of the information that can be expected from it.

Date:	Jeudi, le 27 janvier 2011
Heure:	11:30
Lieu:	Université de Montréal
	Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, Local D-460
Contact:	Pierre Bergeron