'Dead stars' may have surprisingly healthy appetites
New research suggests that white dwarfs, or 'dead stars,' consume planetary material at higher rates than previously estimated. By analyzing the elemental composition of this 'polluted' material, astronomers can gain insights into the history of distant planetary systems.
Why it matters
This discovery enhances our understanding of how planetary systems evolve and provides a new method for studying the composition of exoplanetary bodies.
by Matt Davenport, University of Michigan
edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Robert Egan
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source An artist's impression shows a star remnant known as a white dwarf surrounded by planetary material that will "pollute" the dead star's atmosphere. Credit: NASA, ESA, and G. Bacon (STScI) "Dead stars" known as white dwarfs have already shown the potential to help us better understand how planetary systems, including our own solar system, take shape and evolve. Now, research from the University of Michigan and the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that potential could be even greater than anticipated.
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