Astronomers Model a Chartreuse-Green White Dwarf, a First for Stellar Color
A study released on October 15 in RAS Techniques and Instruments indicates that the presence of sodium, calcium, and lithium from a nearby planetary system could cause the white dwarf J1330+6435 to emit a chartreuse light. This star, situated approximately 280 light-years from Earth, shows peculiar spectral variations attributed to the distinctive physics of its outer layers. Astrophysicist Mark Hollands from the University of Warwick and his team reexamined data from over 150 white dwarfs, identifying several with unusual colors such as yellow, purple, and pink. They observed that J1330+6435 absorbs more wavelengths under high density. Additionally, WD J1011+2845, located 48 light-years away, appears salmon pink. The researchers estimate that one in 30 white dwarfs displays an unusual hue.
Key facts
- White dwarf J1330+6435 is about 280 light-years from Earth and may appear chartreuse-green
- The findings were published October 15 in RAS Techniques and Instruments
- Researchers analyzed previously collected data on more than 150 white dwarfs
- Colors were calculated from spectra and run through a model of human vision
- White dwarf atmospheres can reach densities near one gram per cubic centimeter
- WD J1011+2845, 48 light-years away, appears salmon pink due to carbon
- About one in 30 white dwarfs within roughly 65 light-years of Earth are estimated to have odd hues
- Mark Hollands is an astrophysicist at the University of Warwick in England
Entities
Artists
- Mark Hollands
- Agnès Kim
- Mark A. Garlick
- Jack Guy
- Lauren J. Young
- Will Dunham
- Sara Hashemi
Institutions
- University of Warwick
- Penn State Scranton
- RAS Techniques and Instruments
- CNN
- Reuters
- Smithsonian Magazine
Locations
- England
- United States
- New York City