Astronomers have finally uncovered the origins of the enigmatic hypervelocity white dwarfs, often described as ‘galactic cannonballs.’ These cosmic objects have long puzzled scientists due to their incredible speeds, which can propel them across the galaxy at astonishing rates.
What Are Hypervelocity White Dwarfs?
Hypervelocity white dwarfs are the remnants of dead stars that travel so fast, they can escape the gravitational pull of the Milky Way. For years, researchers wondered what forces could launch these stellar corpses at such extreme velocities.
Breakthrough Discovery
Recent studies have provided a breakthrough. Researchers discovered that these white dwarfs likely gained their speed from powerful supernova explosions. When a white dwarf pairs with another star in a binary system, a dramatic event can occur. If one star explodes in a supernova, the force can hurl the companion white dwarf out into the galaxy at hypervelocity speeds. This finding addresses a long-standing question and opens new doors to understanding the life cycles of stars and the dynamic nature of our galaxy.
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