Astronomers using the Large Binocular Telescope have discovered two unusual hot subdwarf stars: PG 1654+322 and PG 1528+025. While normal stars have surfaces composed of hydrogen and helium, these two subdwarfs are covered with helium-burning ash and can be identified as the remnants of a helium-core white dwarf that accreted matter of a low-mass carbon-oxygen white dwarf. This artist’s impression shows the merger of two white dwarfs. Image credit:...
