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| Paper: |
Deriving Precise Ages of Field White Dwarfs using Bayesian Techniques |
| Volume: |
493, 19th European Workshop on White Dwarfs |
| Page: |
145 |
| Authors: |
Webster, A.; von Hippel, T.; Si, S.; van Dyk, D.; Montgomery, M.; Robinson, E.; Stenning, D.; Stein, N.; Kraczek, E. J.; Jefferys, W. H.; O'Malley, E. |
| Abstract: |
We apply a self-consistent and robust Bayesian statistical approach along with modern model ingredients to determine the posterior age distributions for nine DC field white dwarfs. Our technique requires only quality optical and near-IR photometry to derive ages with uncertainties that range from as little as 4% to as much as 27%, depending on the star. We use these results to demonstrate the non-Gaussian nature of white dwarf age posteriors and to compare the effect on ages of two modern initial final mass relations. We additionally predict the capabilities of our Bayesian technique in the GAIA era, when we will possess distances accurate to 1-2%for thousands of white dwarfs. |
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