Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Muskan Arora
A recent study unveils a startling discovery: approximately one in every 12 stars may have consumed a planet, shedding light on the dynamics of star systems and planetary interactions.
Earlier studies identified stars with elevated levels of elements like iron, indicating potential consumption of rocky planets. However, the frequency of such events remained uncertain, prompting further investigation.
Researchers examined pairs of stars born from the same parent cloud of gas and dust, known as co-natal stars. Major chemical differences between these stars could signify planetary consumption by one of them.
The study utilized data from the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite to identify 91 pairs of stars positioned relatively close to each other, suggesting co-natal origin.
By analysing light spectra emitted by these stars, scientists deduced their elemental compositions, revealing differences indicating planetary consumption.
The study found that approximately 8 percent of star pairs showed signs of one star engulfing a planet, highlighting the unexpectedly common occurrence of such events.
These findings challenge the notion of stable planetary systems like our own, suggesting that planetary consumption may occur more frequently than previously thought.
While our solar system is stable for now, the study raises questions about its long-term stability as the sun evolves into a red giant, potentially swallowing nearby planets.
The study leaves open the possibility of stars consuming planets or their building blocks, prompting ongoing exploration into the dynamics of star systems and planetary formation.
The researchers published their findings in the journal Nature, offering valuable insights into the complex interactions between stars and planets within our universe.