Chapter 1: The Unexpected Exoplanet Discovery

Humanity has cataloged thousands of exoplanets, leading us to believe we have a solid understanding of where to find them. However, the universe continues to astound us. A recent investigation spearheaded by Andrew Vanderburg from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has unveiled a potential exoplanet located approximately 80 light-years away. This solar system is quite unusual, as the planet orbits a stellar remnant, specifically a dead star referred to as a white dwarf. If verified, this unique finding could significantly alter our comprehension of the stellar lifecycle.

The star in question, WD 1856, likely had a sun-like appearance in its earlier stages. After exhausting its nuclear fuel around 6 billion years ago, WD 1856 lost a substantial portion of its mass, resulting in a core comprised of extremely dense “electron-degenerate matter,” which we now identify as a white dwarf. During its transition to a white dwarf, WD 1856 would have expanded into a red giant. Traditionally, scientists assumed that any star nearing the end of its life would consume and obliterate any substantial planetoids in its vicinity. Nonetheless, astronomers analyzing data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and various ground-based telescopes are convinced that a gas giant is orbiting WD 1856.

This enigmatic planet has been tentatively named WD 1856 b. Similar to many other typical solar systems, researchers detected WD 1856 b using the transit method, which involves observing a distant star over extended periods to identify a decrease in brightness. When these dips occur repeatedly, it can indicate that an exoplanet is traversing in front of the star. This is the same technique the Kepler mission utilized to discover thousands of potential planets, while TESS focuses on objects within a few hundred light-years.

Larger exoplanets with shorter orbital periods are generally easier to detect, and WD 1856 b certainly fits this profile. Utilizing data from the now-retired Spitzer Telescope, the research team estimates that this planet is approximately 14 times the mass of Jupiter, which is already a significant size in the broader context of celestial bodies. WD 1856 b completes an orbit around its host star every 1.4 Earth days, obstructing nearly half of the light emitted by the deceased stellar core.

This raises intriguing questions about how WD 1856 b managed to survive the star’s red giant phase. The study proposes two potential scenarios. First, it might have originally been situated much farther from the star, but the star's death disrupted its orbit, causing it to migrate inward. Alternatively, it may have always been in close proximity to the star, with the expansion merely stripping away several layers of its atmosphere, although this latter explanation is deemed less likely by the researchers.

To investigate this peculiar solar system in greater depth, we will require new technology such as the repeatedly delayed James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This telescope may even detect additional intact planets orbiting this dead star. Understanding what transpired with WD 1856 could provide insights into the future of our own solar system in the coming billions of years.

Chapter 2: Future Exploration with JWST

The next phase of research will focus on utilizing advanced instruments to further comprehend this extraordinary solar system.

The James Webb Space Telescope promises to enhance our exploration capabilities, potentially uncovering more planets and revealing secrets about their formation and survival in the wake of stellar evolution.