Unlocking the Secrets of White Dwarf Stars / Astronomers' Universe (PDF)

 Hugh Van Horn's entire career since 1965 has been dedicated to conducting research into the properties of dense matter and applying that knowledge to objects such as white dwarfs and neutron stars. For almost 30 years, he led a research team investigating these topics at the University of Rochester, and a number of his former students have gone on to distinguished careers in astrophysics themselves. He is personally acquainted with many of the senior leaders in white dwarf research across the globe.

His key contributions to our current understanding of the white dwarfs include (1) demonstrating that these cooling stars crystallize while still at temperatures where they are observable, (2) helping to develop detailed physical models for the properties of dense matter in their surface convection zones and deep interiors, and (3) helping to develop the theory of pulsating white dwarfs to the point where asteroseismological studies are now routinely being used to determine physical properties of these stars.

Dr. Van Horn has co-edited or co-authored several books including: (1) White Dwarfs and Variable Degenerate Stars, ed. H. M. Van Horn and V. Weidemann (University of Rochester: Rochester, NY, 1979); (2) Strongly Coupled Plasma Physics, ed. H. M. Van Horn and S. Ichimaru (University of Rochester Press: Rochester, NY, 1993); and (3) 2020 Vision: An Overview of New Worlds, New Horizons in Astronomy and Astrophysics, H. M. Van Horn and M. Specian (booklet published by the National Academy of Sciences: Washington, DC, 2011).

“This volume is really a history of the development of our understanding of these enigmatic objects for the lay reader … . Hugh van Horn has produced a very interesting and readable volume by focussing on key individuals in white-dwarf research and the contributions they have made. … I found the book both enjoyable and enlightening. I would certainly recommend it to all researchers in the field.” (Martin Barstow, The Observatory, April, 2016)