The observation of quadruple-peaked emission lines from WD J1328−1450 suggests that there are two separate, concentric rings of gas around the white dwarf. This finding could indicate the presence of two asteroid-sized to Pluto-sized planetary bodies that have survived disruption by the gravitational forces of the white dwarf.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals
Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription
Learn more
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 12 digital issues and online access to articles
Learn more
Buy this article
- Purchase on SpringerLink
- Instant access to the full article PDF.
USD 39.95
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
References
Zuckerman, B., Koester, D., Melis, C., Hansen, B. M. & Jura, M. The chemical composition of an extrasolar minor planet. Astrophys. J. 671, 872–877 (2007). This paper demonstrates how the composition of a planetesimal can be reconstructed from the spectroscopic signatures in the atmosphere of a white dwarf.
Manser, C. J. et al. Doppler imaging of the planetary debris disc at the white dwarf...

