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Will the Sun swallow us? Discovery of new exoplanet twice the size of Earth hints at our future home

Scientists have discovered a new exoplanet orbiting a white dwarf star, offering fascinating insights into the possible fate of Earth.

October 03, 2024 / 10:31 IST
This planet orbits a white dwarf, the remnant of a star like our Sun. (Image: Canva)

Scientists have discovered a new exoplanet orbiting a white dwarf star, offering fascinating insights into the possible fate of Earth. The planet, around 1.9 times the mass of Earth, reveals how planets might endure the chaotic end of a star's life.

Exoplanet Found Orbiting a White Dwarf


According to ScienceAlert, researchers discovered the exoplanet, which survived the destructive red giant phase of its host star. This planet orbits a white dwarf, the remnant of a star like our Sun. Led by Keming Zhang of the University of California, the study provides vital information about planetary evolution and survival after a star's death.

Read Also: Snowman-shaped object hurdling past Earth; What is it?
Zhang explained that the planet remained intact through the red giant phase, a rare occurrence. Using an ultra-high magnification microlensing event, researchers detected the exoplanet and determined its mass and distance from the white dwarf. They also discovered a brown dwarf companion, 30 times the mass of Jupiter, orbiting the white dwarf. This discovery deepens our understanding of how planets can survive in extreme conditions.

Read Also: How a nuclear bomb explosion can save Earth from asteroid devastation; Know what scientists are saying

first published: Oct 3, 2024 10:30 am

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