Opening of the first planet orbiting a white dwarf

Scientists always believed that around some white dwarfs still rotating planet, despite the powerful upheavals preceding the emergence of this type of stars. However, it was not possible to prove the existence of such planets in practice ... at least until recently. Thanks to Kepler space observatory, astronomers have discovered a planet orbiting WD 1145 + 017, located 570 light-years away from us the white dwarf.

However, we can not say that this planet is in good shape. Unusual light dying star indicates that the planet is gradually degraded due to the gravity exerted pressure on her, leaving a huge dust cloud. Researchers believe that the planet got its fatal orbit after a dramatic change in weight caused by the collision of planets.

In the future, we certainly will see such discoveries as weaker light white dwarf does not prevent scientists observed moving around the planet. In addition, there is a chance (albeit small) that the collision could push some of the planets in the habitable zone. In this case, scientists will be able to become familiar with the worlds that can support life. In any case, now it is obvious that planetary systems do not disappear just because their stars are coming to the end of his career.