Dying White Dwarf Stars Show Pink and Green Hues, Scientists Find

Astronomers have found that white dwarfs are not always white, as their colors can vary widely. The shade depends on two factors: the star's density and the type of material it has pulled in from its surroundings. These properties shape the composition and conditions of the star's atmosphere, producing a range of colors that include pink and green. The findings challenge the long-held image of white dwarfs as uniformly pale remnants of dying stars. The research highlights how a star's final stage can still display a surprising variety of appearances.