http://arxiv.org/abs/2108.08384
It is difficult to study the interiors of terrestrial planets in the Solar System and the problem is magnified for distant exoplanets. However, sometimes nature is helpful. Some planetary bodies are torn to fragments and consumed by the strong gravity close to the descendants of Sun-like stars, white dwarfs. We can deduce the general composition of the planet when we observe the spectroscopic signature of the white dwarf. Most planetary fragments that fall into white dwarfs appear to be rocky with a variable fraction of associated ice and carbon. These white dwarf planetary systems provide a unique opportunity to study the geology of exoplanetary systems.
S. Xu and A. Bonsor
Fri, 20 Aug 21
17/59
Comments: To be published as article 3 in the “Geoscience Beyond the Solar System” issue of Elements magazine, v17 No4
You must be logged in to post a comment.