We usually think a star’s death is the end for any nearby worlds. But new research suggests white dwarfs the dense embers of Sun-like stars could host stable, potentially habitable planets for billions of years.
Key points:
- White dwarfs are Earth-sized stellar cores with steady light output and low flare activity.
- Their “habitable zone” sits extremely close-in. A rocky world there would likely be tidally locked, but still potentially temperate.
- The big challenge is surviving the red giant phase; however, planets can migrate inward later. We’ve already found a close-in giant (WD 1856 b) around a white dwarf.
- Because white dwarfs are so small, an Earth-sized planet would cause a very deep transit great for detecting atmospheres and possible biosignatures with JWST/ELTs.
Curious what you think: Could life start or re-start around a dead star? What would days and seasons even mean there?
Link: https://scitechdaily.com/when-the-sun-dies-could-alien-worlds-thrive-around-dead-stars/
by Existing_Tomorrow687