For the first time, astronomers have seen a star in the act of eating a planet.
One event from 2020 stood out. A spot of light rapidly got about 100 times as bright as it had been. It could have been the result of two stars merging. But a second look by NASA’s NEOWISE infrared space telescope suggested otherwise.
Planet-devouring stars are probably relatively common in the universe, says UCLA astrophysicist Smadar Naoz, who was not involved with the study. But the evidence, she says, has been circumstantial. Until now, astronomers have seen only signs of stars preparing for a planetary snack or debris left over from a presumed stellar meal.
Naoz has pondered the ways that stars might gobble up planets. A star in the prime of life might consume a planet that wanders too close by in its orbit — think of that as a stellar lunch, Naoz says. A dying star, on the other hand,Subscribe to Science NewsThe planet-eating star in this study is turning into a red giant, but is still early in its transformation. “I would say it’s early supper,” Naoz says.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Astronomers observe star swallowing planet for first time -- and it's the size of Jupiter | CNNIn a world first, scientists have observed the moment that a dying star consumed a planet — a fate that eventually awaits Earth.
Leer más »
Don’t Miss: “Peak Venus” and Jupiter OccultationWhat are some skywatching highlights in May 2023? Venus reaches its highest point in the evening sky for the year, while Jupiter disappears behind the Moon for some U.S. observers. Plus, some key differences in the Southern Hemisphere's skies compared to those of the North. https://youtu.be/Kn
Leer más »
LIVE: Gov. DeSantis holds news conference with health care leaders in JupiterWATCH LIVE: Gov. DeSantis holds news conference with health care leaders in Jupiter
Leer más »
Star swallows planet in one gulp — a preview of Earth’s fate, astronomers sayWhat appeared to be a gas giant at least the size of Jupiter was suddenly consumed.
Leer más »
With a gulp and burp, a bloated star swallows a Jupiter-sized planetIn a glimpse of the dismal fate awaiting Earth, scientists for the first time have observed a star, bloated in its old age, swallowing a Jupiter-like planet, then expelling some material into space in an energetic belch.
Leer más »
Check out NASA's sky-watching tips for May | Digital TrendsNASA’s sky-watching update for May features some wonderful views of Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, and Mars, as well as of our lunar neighbor.
Leer más »