Produced by: Tarun Mishra
In a remarkable astronomical event shedding light on the violent nature of the cosmos, two colossal exoplanets beyond our solar system have collided, marking a rare celestial occurrence.
The collision involved two giant exoplanets, each potentially several to tens of times the mass of Earth, resulting in a significant infrared spike and the formation of a conspicuous cloud of debris, as observed by astronomers from Earth.
Experts speculate that the force of the collision would have pulverized both planets, reducing them to a molten state with only their cores intact, enveloped by a swirling mixture of gas, hot rock, and dust.
Despite the cataclysmic event, remnants of the collision persisted in the form of a luminous cloud, which continued to orbit the host star, serving as a haunting reminder of the planetary destruction.
The collision was initially detected when a sun-like star experienced a sudden and substantial dimming, coupled with a preceding surge in infrared emissions, capturing the attention of astronomers who scrutinized the anomaly.
The surge in infrared luminosity endured for a staggering 1,000 days, followed by an additional 500 days during which the star was obscured by an enigmatic object, later identified as a vast cloud of gas and dust.
Utilizing data from NASA's WISE mission, scientists uncovered traces of the collision's aftermath, prompting further investigation using advanced telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope to delve deeper into the celestial wreckage.
Astronomers stress that while such planetary collisions are extraordinary events, they are not uncommon in the broader context of the universe's evolution. Within our solar system, evidence of past collisions, such as Uranus' axial tilt and the formation of Earth's moon, underscores the dynamic and turbulent history of celestial bodies.