The magnetic white dwarfs

Abstract

Observations of isolated magnetic white dwarfs are compared with those of Angel et al. (1981). A list of 21 currently known magnetic white dwarfs is presented, and additions and deletions of stars from the list of Angel et al. are discussed. The spectrum of the hydrogen atom in extremely strong fields, and the field distribution of stars in the 1-700 MG range are calculated. It is observed that the distribution of magnetic stars has remained constant/decade of field strength from about 10 to the 6th to 10 to the 9th G. Consideration is given to the rotation rates and suface compositions of white dwarfs.