Astronomers witness star consuming Jupiter-like planet in a first-of-its-kind event.
TL;DR
Astronomers using the Gemini South telescope in Chile have observed the first direct evidence of a dying sun-like star engulfing one of its planets, which may be a preview of the ultimate fate of Earth when our own sun nears the end of its life in about five billion years. The event was seen in a long and low-energy outburst from the star, and the process would put the brakes on the planet's orbital velocity, causing it to plunge into the star. This discovery provides new insights into the evolution and final fates of planetary systems, including our own.
Topics:scienceastronomy#astronomy#exoplanet#gemini-south-telescope#milky-way#planetary-engulfment#star
- Astronomers witness star devouring a planet: Possible preview of the ultimate fate of Earth Phys.org
- What It Looks Like When a Dying Star Eats a Planet The New York Times
- A star ate a planet, and astronomers saw it happen for the first time The Washington Post
- Astronomers observe star swallowing planet for first time -- and it's the size of Jupiter CNN
- Astronomers have spotted a star swallowing up a Jupiter-like planet NPR
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Phys.org