TESS, Spitzer Spot Potential Giant World Circling Tiny Star

NASA's Tess and Spitzer missions discovered WD 1856 b, a giant planet orbiting close to a white dwarf. This unusual finding suggests the planet formed farther away and moved inward due to gravitational influences. The discovery provides insights into planetary evolution and the dynamics of star systems. Tess continues to search for similar worlds.

What is the significance of the discovery of WD 1856 b?

• It is the first planet discovered by NASA.

• It is a giant planet orbiting very close to a white dwarf.

• It is the largest planet in the solar system.

• It is a planet that orbits two stars simultaneously.

What is the primary mission of NASA's Tess?

• To hunt for regular dips in starlight caused by transiting planets.

• To explore the surface of Mars.

• To study the atmosphere of Jupiter.

• To map the Milky Way galaxy.

How do scientists believe WD 1856 b moved closer to its star?

• By being captured by the star's atmosphere.

• Through the star's magnetic field.

• By being pushed by solar winds.

• Due to gravitational interactions with other planets.

What role might other stars in the system play in WD 1856 b's orbit?

• They provide light for the planet.

• They have no effect on the planet's orbit.

• Their gravitational influence could alter the orbit.

• They help the planet maintain its temperature.

What could the discovery of WD 1856 b help scientists understand?

• The birth of new stars.

• The evolution of star systems.

• The formation of black holes.

• The creation of new galaxies.