Metals in the variable DA G29-38

Abstract

We report the detection of the heavy elements Ca, Mg, Fe in the atmosphere of the variable DA white dwarf G29-38. The abundance of Ca can be understood only if accretion from interstellar matter is going on currently at a high rate. This lends support also the interpretation of the observed infrared excess as due to heated circumstellar material, from which the accretion onto the star takes place.