A planet may have been destroyed by a white dwarf at the center of a planetary nebula — the first time this has been seen. As described in our latest press
X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO/Univ Mexico/S. Estrada-Dorado et al.; Ultraviolet: NASA/JPL; Optical: NASA/ESA/STScI /NRAO ; Infrared: ESO/VISTA/J. Emerson; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/K. Arcand;signal that astronomers have detected from the Helix Nebula for over 40 years. The Helix is a planetary nebula, a late-stage star like our Sun that has shed its outer layers leaving a small dim star at its center called a white dwarf.from GALEX of the Helix Nebula .
Dating back to 1980, X-ray missions, such as the Einstein Observatory and ROSAT telescope, have picked up an unusual reading from the center of the Helix Nebula. They detected highly energetic X-rays coming from the white dwarf at the center of the Helix Nebula named WD 2226-210, located only 650In about 5 billion years, our Sun will run out of fuel and expand, possibly engulfing Earth.
Observations by ROSAT, Chandra, and XMM-Newton between 1992 and 2002 show that the X-ray signal from the white dwarf has remained approximately constant in brightness during that time. The data, however, suggest there may be a subtle, regular change in the X-ray signal every 2.9 hours, providing evidence for the remains of a planet exceptionally close to the white dwarf.
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Chandra X-ray Center controls science operations from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts.This release features two images; a composite image of the Helix Nebula, and an artist’s rendering of a planet’s destruction, which may be occurring in the nebula’s core.
Helix Nebula Hubble Space Telescope Marshall Astrophysics Marshall Space Flight Center Nebulae Planetary Nebulae Stars The Universe White Dwarfs
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mega City Comics Bought by Forbidden Planet, Becomes Forbidden Planet CamdenAfter 44 years, Mega City Comics in Camden, London, will continue under new ownership, becoming Forbidden Planet Camden. The iconic comic book store, known for its long history and loyal customer base, was purchased by Forbidden Planet, a leading retailer of science fiction, fantasy, and cult entertainment. Forbidden Planet Camden will retain its original location and signage, with the existing staff continuing to serve customers.
Read more »
A Compass Works Differently in Space, Varying Widely From Planet to PlanetHow does a compass work in space? From the moon to Venus, here’s how a compass would work beyond Earth’s magnetic field.
Read more »
Planet parade 2025: When and how to see tonight's planet alignmentHere's why there are suddenly so many planets visible in the night sky and how long you can look forward to seeing them.
Read more »
Owen Schlager leads Trinity to regular-season finale win over ShamokinSchlager is 15 points away from 2000 points for his career.
Read more »
University School claims 4th straight OHSAA Division II boys swimming state crownThe Preppers scored 231 points to top runner-up Hamilton Ross by 59 points.
Read more »
Loyola Marymount tops PepperdineWill Johnston scored 20 points as Loyola Marymount beat Pepperdine 69-60 on Tuesday night. Johnston went 8 of 12 from the field (2 for 4 from 3-point range) for the Lions (15-10, 7-6 West Coast Conference). Caleb Stone-Carrawell and Jevon Porter added 14 points apiece. The Waves (9-16, 3-9) were led in scoring by Stefan Todorovic, who finished with 17 points and eight rebounds. Boubacar Coulibaly added 13 points, 10 rebounds and two steals for Pepperdine. Dovydas Butka also put up 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Stone-Carrawell scored 11 points in the first half and Loyola Marymount went into halftime trailing 37-28. Johnston scored the last six points for Loyola Marymount to close out the nine-point victory.
Read more »