White dwarf J1328−1450 discovered with two rings of planetary debris

Astronomers using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile have discovered a white dwarf star, identified as J1328−1450, surrounded by two distinct rings of planetary debris. Located approximately 1,600 light-years from Earth in the constellation Virgo, this finding is unique, as previous observations of the 21 known white dwarfs with debris had only revealed single disks.

The two separate rings of dust and gas may have been formed by the destruction of two rocky planetary bodies or planetesimals that survived the star’s transition from a red giant to a white dwarf. Researchers suggest one of these surviving objects may be comparable in size to Pluto, while the other is smaller. Differences in the chemical composition of the rings, specifically regarding magnesium content, indicate they likely originated from different rocky bodies or distinct layers of a disrupted object.

This discovery provides a potential glimpse into the far future of our own solar system. In approximately five billion years, the Sun is expected to expand into a red giant and eventually leave behind a dense white dwarf core. While inner planets will likely be destroyed, more distant rocky bodies may survive the process, potentially forming similar debris structures.