Astrophysicists from the University of Warwick examined the chemical structure of 151 white dwarf stars

Astrophysicist Mark Hollands and his team from the University of Warwick examined 151 white dwarf stars located approximately 65 light-years from Earth, analyzing the decisive roles of elements in their atmospheres on starlight and chemical composition.

Using spectral data that separates light from the stars into wavelengths, the researchers examined how elements such as helium, calcium, sodium, and lithium in the atmosphere change the appearance of the stars. The study found that some white dwarfs with high carbon density could be associated with colors resembling salmon pink.

Elements such as iron, magnesium, and sodium found in the outer layers of white dwarfs are considered to be remnants of asteroids and rocky bodies that approached the star too closely and were destroyed. These chemical analyses provide important clues about the formation processes and compositions of planetary systems that no longer exist.