Experts from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Germany clarified their prediction that the wandering white dwarf WD0810-353 could reach the Solar System in 29 thousand years. Astronomers concluded that it would pass by the extinct star and pose no threat to the Sun and surrounding planets. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Astrophysical Journal (TAJ).
Information about the threat WD0810-353 poses to our system is based on observations made with the Gaia space telescope in 2022. Astronomers later suggested that the invading star might disturb the Oort cloud of comets and space ice at the edge of the solar system. This can lead to unpredictable results.
“We found that the approach velocity measured by the Gaia project is incorrect and that the predicted flyby of WD0810–353 near the Sun will not occur. In fact, WD0810–353 may not be moving towards the Sun at all. This is one less field hazard we have to worry about.” !” – said astronomer Stefano Bagnulo, author of the study.
ESO added that its colleagues were probably confused by the white dwarf’s strong magnetic field. Using the polarized light of this WD0810-353, the team simulated the extinct star’s magnetic field and discovered that its observed orbit and speed may actually be the result of the celestial body’s unusually strong magnetism. This means the solar system will likely remain safe.
Astrophysicists before discovered A new cosmic threat to life on Earth.