Astronomers discover first known green star

Astronomers have identified the first known green-hued star, a white dwarf designated as WD J1330+6435. Located approximately 280 to 284 light-years away in the constellation Draco, this celestial object provides new insights into stellar evolution. While star color is typically determined by temperature, this unique finding challenges established models by demonstrating that chemical composition also plays a decisive role.

The green color is attributed to the presence of rocky planetary debris that the white dwarf ingested after the original star exhausted its nuclear fuel. The atmospheric pollution consists of elements such as calcium, lithium, and sodium, which alter the spectrum of light emitted from its surface. With a surface temperature of about 4,000 degrees Celsius, this remnant reveals that white dwarfs can exhibit a broader range of colors, including green, pink, or purple, contrary to previous scientific assumptions.

This discovery was documented in the journal RAS Techniques and Instruments. Researchers continue to analyze the star's unique light spectrum to further understand its chemical composition and the environmental conditions surrounding it, which may lead to a broader re-evaluation of stellar color classification.