Astronomers identify green-tinged white dwarf among nearby stars
Researchers at the University of Warwick examined the spectra of 151 nearby white dwarfs and found five that would display unusual colors to the human eye. The most striking example, designated WD J1330+6435, has a temperature of about 4,000 °C and an atmosphere enriched with calcium, lithium and sodium, which together give it a green hue. A second object, WD J1011+2845, located roughly 48 light‑years away, appears deep salmon‑pink due to carbon on its surface. The study suggests that variations in atmospheric composition can produce a range of visible colors, including pink, cyan, yellow and purple, though none of the objects are bright enough for naked‑eye observation.
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Why it matters
The finding expands understanding of stellar remnants and how atmospheric chemistry can affect their appearance.
How this story developed
- Oct 15 Astronomers Identify Rarely Colored White Dwarfs, Including a Potentially Green Star
- Oct 22 A green‑appearing white dwarf was identified in the latest analysis of nearby stars.
