Astronomers identify first known green star, a white dwarf
Researchers say a white dwarf star has been found glowing green, a color that breaks the usual link between a star's temperature and its hue. Models suggest the glow comes from rocky debris drawn in from a planetary system.
By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .
What happened
Astronomers have identified what they describe as the first known green star, a white dwarf whose color departs from the usual pattern tied to temperature. New calculations indicate that a star which has pulled in rocky debris from its planetary system would appear chartreuse green to the human eye. Researchers say white dwarfs can display surprising hues, including green, pink and purple, because of their dense, chemically varied atmospheres.
Why it matters
The finding shows that white dwarfs can break color patterns scientists previously expected.
Timeline
- Oct 17, 6:30 PM ET: Scientists announce the discovery of what is described as the universe's first known green star.
- Oct 18, 11:08 AM ET: New calculations show that a star holding rocky debris from its planetary system would appear chartreuse green to the human eye.
- Oct 19, 3:54 PM ET: Astronomers explain that dense, chemically diverse atmospheres allow white dwarfs to show surprising colors, including the first known genuinely green star.
Coverage
- “It Feels Like Something Out of Science Fiction”: Astronomers Find First Green Star (nautil.us)
- Astronomers discover 1st green star in space as white dwarfs break color rules (livenowfox.com)
- “Something out of Science Fiction” – Astronomers Discover a Star That Glows a Bizarre Shade of Green (Vincent L)
- Scientists Find a 'Ghostly Green' Star, and That's Not the Only Crazy Color (See full bio)
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