News Astronomy

White dwarf’s inner makeup is mapped for the first time

The stellar corpse is richer in oxygen than expected, challenging long-standing theories about stellar evolution

illustration of inner structure of a white dwarf

WHAT LIES WITHIN  The inner structure of a white dwarf star (shown in this artist’s impression) has been mapped for the first time — and it’s more oxygen-rich than expected.

Stéphane Charpinet

By Lisa Grossman

- More than 2 years ago

Astronomers have probed the inner life of a dead star.