Topic: Did GD61 Eat a Planetessimal?

[sam]

The primary method by which astronomers hope to study exoplanet atmospheres is by detecting their absorption spectra as they transit their parent stars. However, another way would be to detect the signal of the atmospheric components in the atmosphere of a star that recently cannibalized a planet or other large body. White dwarfs offer an excellent class of stars on which to use this method since convection will pull heavy elements down more rapidly, leaving surfaces with near pristine hydrogen and helium photospheres. The presence of other elements would indicate recent accretion. This method has been used on several white dwarfs previously, but a new study  reexamines data from a 2008 paper, adding their own data on the white dwarf GD61 to propose that the star isn’t just eating dust and small bodies, but a sizable one, likely containing water.

http://www.universetoday.com/82225/did-gd61-eat-a-planetessimal/

[Clive]

I think there was another recent case of a star consuming one of its planets.  It will be our turn in 4.5 billion years time if I'm still around.  Yippeeee!  The spell checker is back!   

[Simon]

Well spotted!  I hadn't noticed, as I never use it myself.   

[Rik]

Martin must have heeded our pleas.

[Simon]

 

[Rik]

It's working on Netters too. I've dropped him a thank you email.

[Simon]

Yes, I did too, for his work on Sunday / Monday.

[Rik]

The more the merrier, let him know we don't take him for granted - he must have had a hell of a week.

[sam]

indeed... but at least he is not on the planet that used to orbit GD61.

[Simon]

This is very true.