Zombie Star Shocks Astronomers

Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery of a rare white dwarf star, WD J1330+6435, that would appear green to human eyes due to the presence of sodium in its atmosphere. This star, located around 326 light-years away, has been nicknamed a 'zombie star' because it is consuming planetary debris.

The discovery of WD J1330+6435 was published in the journal RAS Techniques and Instruments in October 2026. The researchers, led by astrophysicist Mark Hollands of the University of Warwick in England, analyzed 151 known white dwarfs within 20 parsecs, or around 65 light years, of Earth.

The atmosphere of WD J1330+6435 is enriched with calcium, lithium, and sodium, which is responsible for its unique green color. The presence of sodium in its atmosphere absorbs the orange part of the spectrum, leaving behind a ghostly green glow.

The study suggests that the remains of stars may display a much wider range of colors than astronomers traditionally expected. WD J1330+6435 is the first known genuinely green star, making it a significant discovery in the field of astronomy.

## Why it matters The discovery of WD J1330+6435 has significant implications for our understanding of the universe. The fact that this star is consuming planetary debris suggests that it may have once had a planetary system. The unique chemistry of its atmosphere could provide clues about the remains of planets that once orbited it.

The discovery of WD J1330+6435 is a reminder that there is still much to be learned about the universe and its many mysteries. The study of white dwarfs like WD J1330+6435 can provide valuable insights into the life cycle of stars and the formation of planetary systems.