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Discovery of second-generation Phoenix planet orbiting white

Overview

Researchers from the University of Warwick have identified a second-generation planet orbiting the white dwarf HS 0209+0832. This discovery, published in Nature Astronomy, represents the first time such a celestial body has been confirmed orbiting a white dwarf, as previous observations were limited to pulsars.

Spectral analysis of the star revealed an unusual atmospheric composition containing high concentrations of heavy metals like zinc, copper, and niobium, with niobium levels exceeding those of the Sun by a thousandfold. The near absence of iron suggests the planet may have formed from stellar ash rather than standard rock-forming elements.

Astronomers have now dubbed this unique object a ‘Phoenix planet.’ Unlike first-generation planets that form from initial protoplanetary disks, this planet appears to have formed from material ejected during the host star’s death throes as it transitioned from a red giant to a white dwarf. Research led by Jamie Williams indicates that the detection of niobium in the white dwarf’s environment marks the first time this specific element has been identified in such a system, supporting the theory that the planet was reborn from heavy elements produced during the star’s evolution.

Entities

HS 0209+0832 · Nature Astronomy · University of Warwick · Hubble Space Telescope · NASA

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Astronomers discover second-generation Phoenix planet orbiting white dwarf

    Astronomers have discovered a ‘Phoenix planet’ orbiting the white dwarf HS 0209+0832, formed from the material ejected by its dying host star.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Hubble data reveals potential second-generation planet orbiting white dwarf

    Researchers have discovered a potential second-generation planet orbiting the white dwarf HS 0209+0832, which may have formed from the star's own cast-off material.

  3. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    University of Warwick researchers discover second-generation planet

    University of Warwick researchers have discovered a second-generation planet orbiting the white dwarf HS 0209+0832, composed of heavy metals like niobium rather than standard rocky elements.

Sources

in.mashable.com · lomazoma.com · studyfinds.org · technologyreview.de · universeToday.com · xatakaciencia.com · yourweather.co.uk

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history