A "Dead" Star Defies Expectations: Caught Devouring a Pluto-Like Object Fragment

Dead' Star Caught Snacking on Pluto-Like Object Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have made a startling discovery: a white dwarf star, thought to be dead, has been caught snacking on a fragment of a Pluto-like object. The finding, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, has left scientists stunned and eager to learn more about this cosmic phenomenon. According to Dr. Snehalata Sahu, lead author of the study, "We were observing the white dwarf's behavior when we noticed something peculiar. It seemed to be consuming a small object, leaving behind trails of gas and dust." Further analysis revealed that the fragment was likely torn apart by the white dwarf's intense gravity, suggesting a catastrophic event in which the tiny planet was devoured. The discovery has sparked both fascination and concern among astronomers. "This finding highlights the harsh realities of cosmic evolution," said Dr. Lee, a colleague of Sahu's at the University of Warwick. "It shows us that even in death, stars can continue to shape their surroundings through intense gravitational forces." Background research suggests that white dwarfs are remnants of dying stars' cores, which have exhausted their fuel and shed their outer layers. These compact objects can exert immense pressure on nearby material, causing it to break apart or be consumed. The Pluto-like object in question is believed to have originated from a distant planetary system. Its chemical composition, including carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen, suggests that it may have once held water on its surface. "This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the formation and evolution of planetary systems," said Dr. Sahu. The discovery also raises questions about the potential consequences of such events in other parts of the universe. "We're not just talking about a small, isolated incident here," cautioned Dr. Lee. "This phenomenon could be happening elsewhere, with potentially catastrophic effects on nearby celestial bodies." As scientists continue to study this phenomenon, they are also grappling with the cultural significance of this discovery. "The fact that we can observe such events from millions of light-years away is a testament to human ingenuity and our capacity for exploration," said Dr. Sahu. For now, astronomers will continue to monitor the white dwarf's behavior, seeking answers to questions about its snacking habits and the fate of the Pluto-like object. As they do so, they are also reflecting on the broader implications of this discovery, both scientifically and culturally. By Gayoung Lee September 21, 2025 *Reporting by Gizmodo.*