Astronomers discover a green white dwarf and the reddest star yet found.
They publishedAstronomers discover the first-ever green star, plus the reddest 'white dwarf' ever seen
15 Oct, 11:04ZAstronomers find the first green white dwarf star
First reportphys.org · 15 Oct, 00:10Z
Latest reportLive Science · 16 Oct, 10:00Z
Span34 hours · 11.3h between reports on average
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Why it matters
What
A study of 151 nearby white dwarfs finds about one in 30 glows in other colors.
Why
Their hues reveal elements and convection effects in stellar remnants.
Watch
More color findings among nearby white dwarfs.
Coverage over time
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How it unfolded — every article
Summary
- Warwick astronomers modeled white dwarf colors using spectra and human color vision.
- Coolest white dwarfs can reach densities around 1 gram per cubic centimeter.
- Colors depend on atmosphere composition and trace elements like carbon and sodium.
- WD J1330+6435 appears green due to calcium, lithium, and sodium enriching the atmosphere.
- Among 151 white dwarfs within 65 light-years, five showed unusual colors; about 1 in 30.
Summary
- Researchers find white dwarfs can have colors beyond white, including green.
- WD J1330+6435 shows a chartreuse green due to calcium, lithium, sodium.
- Study analyzed spectra and modeled color to determine actual hues.
- Among 151 nearby white dwarfs, five showed unusual colors (two yellow, three pink).
- Findings challenge the idea that white dwarfs are predominantly blue or white.
Summary
- Researchers studied white dwarfs to understand unexpected colors beyond white, blue, and orange.
- Green color result comes from high atmospheric density interacting with trace elements like sodium.
- WD J1330+6435 appears chartreuse green due to calcium, lithium, sodium enrichment.
- WD J1011+2845 is proposed as the reddest star with carbon distortion in its light.
- Colors were inferred from spectra and computer models, not direct eye observations.
Summary
- New study shows white dwarfs display colors beyond white, including green and purple.
- Researchers analyzed spectra of 151 white dwarfs within 65 light-years of Earth.
- WD J1330+6435 is identified as a green star with chartreuse appearance from calcium, lithium, sodium.
- WD J1011+2845 is likely the reddest white dwarf due to carbon convection effects.
- About 1 in 30 nearby white dwarfs glow in colors other than white, suggesting more color variety.