Urdu Report Desk
Astronomers have discovered a planet that appears to have formed from material left behind by a dying star, potentially providing new insight into how planets can form after a star reaches the end of its life.
The research, led by Jamie Williams, a PhD student at the University of Warwick, suggests that so-called “second-generation planets” can form from material expelled by stars during their deaths.
First Such Planet Found Around a White Dwarf
Scientists believe this could be the first known second-generation planet orbiting a white dwarf, the remnant of a dead star.
Jamie Williams said such planets are extremely rare and their presence around a white dwarf was unexpected. He compared the discovery to a planet being born from the ashes of a star that it once orbited.
Earlier Evidence Around Pulsars
Astronomers had previously found evidence suggesting that possible “reborn” or second-generation planets may exist around pulsars, which are highly energetic remnants of dead stars.
However, the discovery of a possible second-generation planet around a white dwarf would be the first of its kind.
Could Second-Generation Planets Be More Common?
Scientists believe that if further observations confirm the discovery, second-generation planets could be far more common in the universe than previously estimated.
The finding could therefore offer a new perspective on planetary formation and the material produced during the final stages of a star’s life.
