Why does a white dwarf appear white to human observers?
Answer
Its high surface temperature shifts its peak emission toward the blue and violet spectrum, perceived as white
The perceived white color of a white dwarf is a result of blackbody radiation physics. Because the surface temperature of a young white dwarf often exceeds 100,000 degrees Celsius, the peak intensity of its emitted electromagnetic radiation is shifted significantly toward the shorter-wavelength, blue and violet end of the visible spectrum. When the human eye observes this broad, intense emission, it registers as a sharp, brilliant white point of light.
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