Revisiting some physics issues related to the new mass limit for magnetized white dwarfs

Abstract

We clarify important physics issues related to the recently established new mass limit for magnetized white dwarfs which is significantly super-Chandrasekhar. The issues include, justification of high magnetic field and the corresponding formation of stable white dwarfs, contribution of the magnetic field to the total density and pressure, flux freezing, variation of magnetic field and related currents therein. We also attempt to address the observational connection of such highly magnetized white dwarfs.

14 pages including 2 figures; based on the comments/questions from friends, colleagues and critics, triggered by our proposal of significantly super-Chandrasekhar white dwarfs; version to appear in MPLA