Monde de la Mort (World of Death) is a small landable metal-rich world in extremely close orbit of a white dwarf. The world has an elliptical orbit which is 2.5 light-seconds at maximum and a terrifying 0.06 light-seconds at closest approach to the star. The orbit takes approximately one hour.

Landing on this planet is extremely hazardous: it can only be approached when it is outside the exclusion zone for the white dwarf, and getting caught in the jet of the white dwarf is possible. Explorers aiming to reach the surface have a narrow window during which they can land. The heat from the star is also significant, and managing ship heat levels must be considered when landing. Finally, the planet will pass through the jets of white dwarf over the course of the one-hour orbit.

After all this, those managing to land will see astonishing views of the white dwarf from close range.

Video of a successful landing

The first reports of the discovery: 1, 2

Monde de la Mort (World of Death) is a small landable metal-rich world in extremely close orbit of a white dwarf. The world has an elliptical orbit which is 2.5 light-seconds at maximum and a terrifying 0.06 light-seconds at closest approach to the star. The orbit takes approximately one hour.

Landing on this planet is extremely hazardous: it can only be approached when it is outside the exclusion zone for the white dwarf, and getting caught in the jet of the white dwarf is possible. Explorers aiming to reach the surface have a narrow window during which they can land. The heat from the star is also significant, and managing ship heat levels must be considered when landing. Finally, the planet will pass through the jets of white dwarf over the course of the one-hour orbit.

After all this, those managing to land will see astonishing views of the white dwarf from close range.

Video of a successful landing

The first reports of the discovery: 1, 2