Is WD 1445+017 b the remains of a star?

  • Thread starter AdamAutism1998
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Star
In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of a planet orbiting very close to a white dwarf star, which is highly unusual. It is suggested that the planet may have been a massive brown dwarf or that the atmosphere of the star during its Red Giant stage may have prevented it from vaporizing. The conversation also mentions an article about the star WD 1445+017, which describes a planet orbiting it being destroyed.
  • #1
AdamAutism1998
28
1
I've just wondered how it is possible for a planet so close to a white dwarf could exist. Yes, the atmosphere of the star during the Red Giant stage would have acted as counterbalance to mass loss, forcing it into a closer orbit. But it would have vaporized any normal planet or gas giant. Let alone, let it last so long, that it only orbits 520,000 miles from the star, or much closer than the star's original radius. Could it be the remains of a massive brown dwarf? Is there any evidence of what the planet could have been? I just want to find out how this scenario could be truly made. Does anyone know anything about the planet? I want to find out more...
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org

1. What is WD 1445+017 b?

WD 1445+017 b is a planet that orbits a white dwarf star, located approximately 80 light years away from Earth.

2. Why is there a question about whether WD 1445+017 b is the remains of a star?

This question arises because WD 1445+017 b orbits a white dwarf star, which is the remnant of a star that has reached the end of its life cycle and shed its outer layers.

3. What evidence suggests that WD 1445+017 b may be the remains of a star?

The planet's high density, which is similar to that of a white dwarf star, and its close proximity to the star are some of the key pieces of evidence. Additionally, the planet's composition and lack of a substantial atmosphere also support this theory.

4. How does this discovery impact our understanding of planetary formation?

If WD 1445+017 b is confirmed to be the remains of a star, it would challenge our current understanding of planetary formation. It would suggest that planets can form in a much different way than we previously thought, potentially through the disruption and accretion of material from a dying star.

5. What further research is needed to determine if WD 1445+017 b is the remains of a star?

Further observations and data analysis, as well as theoretical modeling, are needed to confirm whether WD 1445+017 b is indeed the remains of a star. This could involve studying the planet's composition, its orbit around the white dwarf, and its interaction with the star's remaining material.

Similar threads

B Evolution of planetary system around a white dwarf
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
974
I How Big of an Object Orbiting Closer to the Sun Than Earth Could Be Overlooked?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
17
Views
2K
Help requested on long-term habitable-zone stars
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
19
Views
2K
Is my fictional Solar System stable and realistic?
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
1K
I Are Red Dwarfs Home to Earth-Sized Water Worlds?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
23
Views
3K
Questions About the Atmospheres of Various Sizes of Artificial Planets
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
0
Views
746
41430 Arietis Quadruple Star System
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
1K
A possible super-Earth or Brown Dwarf in our Solar System
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
12
Views
4K
The Planet That Should Not Exist
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
9
Views
5K
Are there undiscovered sister stars in our solar system?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top