Energy output in white dwarfs.

Forums General Discussion Inner core temperatures of white dwarfs Energy output in white dwarfs.

#583121
Dr Paul Leyland
Participant

The temperature may be quite low but the density is so high that hydrogen fusion still occurs in white dwarfs. I have seen an estimate that about 5% of the luminosity of a 10,000K WD is due to this process.  I will see if I can dig out the reference if anyone is interested.