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Two Earth-Sized Bodies With Oxygen-Rich Atmospheres

Posted by kdawson on from the mission-of-gravity dept.

tugfoigel writes "Astrophysicists at the University of Warwick and Kiel University have discovered two bodies the size of earth with oxygen-rich atmospheres — however, there is a disappointing snag for anyone looking for a potential home for alien life, or even a future home for ourselves. These are not planets, but are actually two unusual white dwarf stars." The objects, 220 and 400 light-years distant, are believed to be remnants of stars between 7 and 10 solar masses. Such stars, the largest that evolve to white dwarves, have been sought for years. If the stars were a little more massive they would collapse to neutron stars, or so the theory goes. Here is the paper on the arXiv.

4 of 111 comments (clear)

  1. Deceptive headlines by prakslash · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This is a perfect example of how deceptive headlines get created.

    Original paper title: "Two white dwarfs with oxygen-rich atmospheres"
    The newspaper headline: "2 Earth-sized bodies with oxygen rich atmospheres found- but they're stars not planets"
    Slashdot headline: "Two Earth-Sized Bodies With Oxygen-Rich Atmospheres"

    The submitter could have simply stated "Two white dwarf stars with oxygen-rich atmospheres" but then who would have clicked further.

    1. Re:Deceptive headlines by prefec2 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Feel manipulated? Watch the news on TV or read a newspaper when you really want to be manipulated.

    2. Re:Deceptive headlines by trytoguess · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I watch the news on occasion. Problem is, this headline is on par with the worst sensationalism mass media has to offer.

  2. Re:That's okay. by Virak · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Better yet, don't. Please.