| Issue |
EAS Publications Series
Volume 2, 2002
GAIA: A European Space Project
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Page(s) | 123 - 128 | |
| Section | Section II: Fundamental Physics: General Relativity | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/eas:2002010 | |
| Published online | 25 September 2002 | |
O. Bienaymé and C. Turon (eds)
EAS Publications Series, 2 (2002) 123-128
White Dwarfs as Tools of Fundamental Physics: the Gravitational Constant Case
1
IEEC/CSIC, E. Nexus, c/Gran Capità 2,
08034 Barcelona, Spain
2
IEEC/UPC, Departament de
Física Aplicada, c/Jordi Girona Salgado s/n, Mòdul B-4, 08034
Barcelona, Spain
3
Astrophysics Research Institute,
Liverpool John Moores University, 12 Quays House, Egerton Wharf,
Birkenhead CH41 1LD, UK
In this paper we examine the effects introduced in the luminosity function of white dwarf stars by a change of the gravitational constant during the life of the Universe. A decrease of G induces the expansion of the star and accelerates its cooling. This effect has noticeable effects on the luminosity function and can be used to set upper bounds on the rate of change of G. Preliminary results indicate that Ġ/G ≤ 10-13 yr-1. These values are the best ever obtained and will improve as the white dwarf luminosity function will improve.
© EAS, EDP Sciences, 2002