Earth-Size Stars and Alien Oceans: An Astronomer Explains the Case for Life Around White Dwarfs

Earth-size stars and alien oceans: An astronomer explains the case for life around white dwarfs

The sun will someday die. This will happen when it runs out of hydrogen fuel in its core and can no longer produce energy through nuclear fusion as it does now. The death of the sun is often thought of as the end of the solar system. But in reality, it may be the beginning of a new phase of life for all the objects living in the solar system.

Earth-size stars and alien oceans – an astronomer explains the case for life around white dwarfs

White dwarf stars, like this one shown shrouded by a planetary nebula, are much smaller than stars like our Sun. NASA/R. Ciardullo (PSU)/H. Bond (STScI)The Sun will someday die. This will happen when it runs out of hydrogen fuel in its core and can no longer produce energy through nuclear fusion as it does now. The death of the Sun is often thought of as the end of the solar system. But in reality, it may be the beginning of a new phase of life …

Could a White Dwarf Planet Host Life?

Key Takeaways: • A white dwarf planet orbits a tiny, dense star remnant that was once like our Sun. • These planets must stay very close to their star to keep water liquid. • They face extreme tidal heating and risk losing water when the star dies. • Under the right conditions, a white dwarf planet could still support life. What is a white dwarf planet? A white dwarf is a dead star core left after a star like our Sun sheds its outer layers. It p…

Earth-size stars and alien oceans – an astronomer explains the case for life around white dwarfs - Tech and Science Post

The Sun will someday die. This will happen when it runs out of hydrogen fuel in its core and can no longer produce energy through nuclear fusion as it does now. The death of the Sun is often thought of as the end of the solar system. But in reality, it may be the beginning of a new phase of life for all the objects living in the solar system. When stars like the Sun die, they go through a phase of rapid expansion called the Red Giant phase: The …