Chandrasekhar Limit Isn't Absolute: Magnetized White Dwarfs Could Reach Nearly 3 Solar Masses

A study in The Astrophysical Journal Letters finds that strong magnetic fields let white dwarfs exceed the Chandrasekhar limit of 1.44 solar masses, potentially reaching nearly 3. Magnetic fields boost electron pressure against gravity, and STARS simulations show even Sun-like stars can end up highly magnetized.

• The Chandrasekhar limit of 1.44 solar masses was long treated as a hard cap for white dwarfs
• Magnetic fields give electrons extra pushback against gravity, allowing masses near 3 suns
• STARS simulations show a fairly typical Sun-like star can form a highly magnetized white dwarf
• This could explain super-Chandrasekhar supernovae, including the 2003 event