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Study of 'Polluted' White Dwarfs Finds That Stars and Planets Grow Together
Introduction
White dwarfs are the remnants of stars that have exhausted their nuclear fuel and shed their outer layers. They are typically composed of carbon and oxygen, with a small amount of hydrogen or helium. However, some white dwarfs have been found to contain heavier elements, such as iron, nickel, and silicon. These elements are thought to have been accreted from a companion star or a planetary system. In this article, we will discuss a recent study that sheds light on the origin of these "polluted" white dwarfs.
What is a "Polluted" White Dwarf?
A "polluted" white dwarf is a white dwarf that contains heavy elements in its atmosphere. These elements are thought to have been accreted from a companion star or a planetary system. The presence of these elements can be detected through spectroscopy, which measures the absorption and emission of light at different wavelengths.
The Study
A recent study published in the journal Nature Astronomy analyzed the spectra of 89 "polluted" white dwarfs. The researchers found that the abundance of heavy elements in these white dwarfs is correlated with the mass of their progenitor stars. This suggests that the accretion of heavy elements occurs during the late stages of stellar evolution, when the progenitor star is a red giant.
Implications
The correlation between the abundance of heavy elements in "polluted" white dwarfs and the mass of their progenitor stars has important implications for our understanding of the formation and evolution of planetary systems. It suggests that stars and planets grow together, and that the accretion of heavy elements from a planetary system can significantly alter the composition of a white dwarf's atmosphere.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study of "polluted" white dwarfs provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of planetary systems. The correlation between the abundance of heavy elements in these white dwarfs and the mass of their progenitor stars suggests that stars and planets grow together, and that the accretion of heavy elements from a planetary system can significantly alter the composition of a white dwarf's atmosphere.
FAQs
Q1. What is a white dwarf?
A white dwarf is the remnant of a star that has exhausted its nuclear fuel and shed its outer layers.
Q2. What are "polluted" white dwarfs?
"Polluted" white dwarfs are white dwarfs that contain heavy elements in their atmospheres. These elements are thought to have been accreted from a companion star or a planetary system.
Q3. How are heavy elements detected in "polluted" white dwarfs?
Heavy elements in "polluted" white dwarfs are detected through spectroscopy, which measures the absorption and emission of light at different wavelengths.
Q4. What does the study of "polluted" white dwarfs suggest about the formation and evolution of planetary systems?
The study of "polluted" white dwarfs suggests that stars and planets grow together, and that the accretion of heavy elements from a planetary system can significantly alter the composition of a white dwarf's atmosphere.
Q5. Why is the study of "polluted" white dwarfs important?
The study of "polluted" white dwarfs provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of planetary systems, and can help us better understand the processes that shape our universe.
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