Stars Consume Closest Planets as They Expand into Red Giants

Astronomers at University College London and the University of Warwick have discovered that aging stars may be devouring their closest giant planets as they swell into red giants. Using NASA's TESS telescope to study nearly half a million stars, scientists found far fewer close-orbiting planets around older, expanded stars, clear evidence that many have already been destroyed. According to Dr. Emma Carter, lead author of the study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, the research suggests that the giant planets are being consumed by their host stars as they expand during the red giant phase. "We were surprised to find that the number of close-orbiting planets around older stars was significantly lower than expected," Dr. Carter said. "This implies that many of these planets have been engulfed by their host stars." The study analyzed data from the TESS telescope, which was launched in 2018 to survey the sky for exoplanets. The telescope has been instrumental in discovering thousands of exoplanets, including many that are similar in size and composition to Earth. By studying the properties of these exoplanets, scientists can gain insights into the formation and evolution of planetary systems. The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the life cycle of stars and the fate of their planetary systems. "The red giant phase is a critical period in a star's life, and it's during this time that the star's size and luminosity increase dramatically," said Dr. Tom Quinn, a co-author of the study. "Our research suggests that this phase may be a time of great upheaval for planetary systems, with many planets being consumed by their host stars." The study also raises questions about the potential for life on planets that are being consumed by their host stars. "The possibility that life on a planet could be extinguished by its host star is a sobering thought," said Dr. Quinn. "However, it's also a reminder of the complex and dynamic nature of planetary systems, and the many factors that can influence the emergence and survival of life." The discovery is also significant in the context of the search for extraterrestrial life. As scientists continue to search for life beyond Earth, the possibility that planets may be destroyed by their host stars is an important consideration. "The study highlights the importance of understanding the life cycle of stars and the fate of their planetary systems," said Dr. Carter. "By studying the properties of exoplanets and their host stars, we can gain insights into the potential for life on other planets and the conditions necessary for life to emerge and survive." The study's findings are based on data from the TESS telescope, which will continue to survey the sky for exoplanets in the coming years. The research team plans to continue studying the properties of exoplanets and their host stars, with the goal of gaining a deeper understanding of the life cycle of stars and the fate of their planetary systems.