Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
A new study shifts attention to watery planets orbiting white dwarfs, remnants of stars depleted of fuel, suggesting they may harbour alien life due to their enduring water presence.
These white dwarfs offer stable environments with long-standing water oceans, making them potential sanctuaries for life, according to the study.
Lead author and University of Wisconsin–Madison astronomy professor Juliette Becker explains that the small size and simplicity of white dwarfs facilitate detailed characterization of planets transiting in front of them.
Becker notes that the atmospheric signals of terrestrial planets are clearer against white dwarfs, enhancing the study of potentially habitable conditions
For a planet to sustain life, it must survive the tumultuous final phases of its host star, which involve significant expansion and increased brightness.
During the star’s final stages, known as “Destruction Phase No. 1,” any nearby planets risk being engulfed as the star expands up to 100 times its original size.
Surviving planets must also endure the star’s increased brightness, which can evaporate surface water, posing a challenge to the planet’s habitability.
Ideal habitable planets are likely situated at approximately 5 to 6 astronomical units away from the dying star to maintain sufficient water levels, as per the study.
The study suggests that identifying suitable white dwarfs with potentially habitable exoplanets could provide valuable insights for future astronomical research, focusing efforts on the most promising candidates.