List of white dwarfs


This is a list of exceptional white dwarf stars. An extensive database of all known white dwarfs and their properties is available in the .

Firsts

These were the first white dwarfs discovered fitting these conditions
TitleStarDateDataCommentsNotesRefs
First discovered40 Eridani B1783
First found in a binary star system40 Eridani B1783
First double white dwarf systemLDS 2751944L 462-56 system
First solitary white dwarfVan Maanen 21917Van Maanen's star is also the nearest solitary white dwarf
First white dwarf with a planetWD B1620−262003PSR B1620-26 b This planet is a circumbinary planet, which circles both stars in the PSR B1620-26 system
First singular white dwarf with a transiting objectWD 1145+0172015Known object is a disintegrating planetesimal, most likely an asteroid.
First white dwarf that is a pulsarAR Scorpii A2016The star is in a binary system with a red dwarf

Extremes

These are the white dwarfs which are currently known to fit these conditions
TitleStarDateDataCommentsNotesRefs
NearestSirius1852Sirius B is also the second white dwarf discovered.
FarthestSN UDS10Wil progenitor201310,000,000,000 ly z=1.914SN Wilson is a type-Ia supernova whose progenitor was a white dwarf
OldestWD 0346+246202111.5 billion years
Youngest
Highest surface temperatureRX J0439.8−68092015This star is located in the Milky Way's galactic halo, in the field of the Large Magellanic Cloud
Lowest surface temperaturePSR J2222–0137 B
WD J2147–4035		2021
2022
Binary
Single
Most luminousCentral star of the Skull Nebula2018
Least luminousWD 0343+247
Brightest apparentSirius B18528.44
Dimmest apparent
Most massiveZTF J1901+145820201.35 M☉
Least massiveCR Boötis B20220.07 M☉In a tight 24 minute binary.
LargestZ Andromedae B0.17—0.36
SmallestHD 497982021

Other notable white dwarfs

  • SDSS J1228+1040, a white dwarf with a disk of debris.
  • ZTF J203349.8+322901.1, a white dwarf with one side made up of hydrogen and the other of helium, nicknamed Janus