Hubble Data Reveals Potential Second-Generation Planet Orbiting White Dwarf HS 0209+0832
In 1999, the Hubble Space Telescope identified around 100 chemical signatures in the atmosphere of the white dwarf HS 0209+0832. A recent study published in Nature Astronomy proposes that these signatures, particularly niobium, suggest the existence of a "second-generation" planet created from gas and dust released during the star's demise. If validated, this would mark the first discovery of such a planet. Researchers utilized NASA's TESS satellite to monitor brightness variations in HS 0209+0832, revealing a gas giant orbiting approximately 3.7 million miles from the star. Co-author Jamie Williams remarked on the rarity of such planets, which likely require the gravitational influence of another star for their formation. Co-author David Wilson indicated that this study might provide insights into the future of our solar system.
Key facts
- Hubble Space Telescope detected about 100 mysterious chemical features in the white dwarf HS 0209+0832 in 1999.
- A new study in Nature Astronomy suggests these features, including niobium, point to a second-generation planet orbiting the white dwarf.
- The planet may have formed from gas and dust expelled by the dying star, akin to a phoenix rising from ashes.
- NASA's TESS satellite observed periodic brightness changes indicating a gas giant with an orbit of about 3.7 million miles, ten times closer than Mercury's orbit.
- The planet's close orbit could cause its outer material to be stripped and form a debris disk that falls back onto the white dwarf, explaining the niobium signature.
- Second-generation planets are exceptionally rare and may require the gravity of another star to form.
- If confirmed, this would be the first known second-generation planet and could provide insight into the future of our solar system.
- Study co-author Jamie Williams plans to continue using Hubble to investigate second-generation planets around dead stars.
Entities
Artists
- Jamie Williams
- Nicholas Stone
- Sarah Casewell
- David Wilson
- Lisa Grossman
- Jacopo Prisco
- Leah Hustak
- Margherita Bassi
Institutions
- University of Warwick
- University of Wisconsin–Madison
- University of Leicester
- University of Colorado Boulder
- NASA
- ESA
- STScI
- Hubble Space Telescope
- TESS
- Nature Astronomy
- Science News
- CNN
- Smithsonian Magazine
- BBC Travel
- Discover magazine
- Live Science
- Atlas Obscura
- Hidden Compass
Locations
- England
- United Kingdom
- Wisconsin
- United States
- Colorado
- Leicester
- Warwick
- Boulder
- Madison
- Rome
- Italy