Scientists discover star 'eating' planet for first time(1/3)

An artist's interpretation released on May 3, 2023 shows a star so bloated that it's engulfing a doomed planet. (Photo/VCG)

As a star runs out of fuel, it will billow out to a million times its original size, engulfing any matter - and planets - in its wake. Scientists have observed hints of stars just before, and shortly after, the act of consuming entire planets, but they have never caught one in the act until now.

Photo released on May 3, 2023 shows artist’s impression of a dying sun-like star engulfing an exoplanet. (Photo/VCG)

This artist’s concept shows a planet gradually spiraling into its host star. The Jupiter-size planet pulls gas away from the star, sending it into space. There, the gas cools and becomes dust, which is visible to astronomers. (Photo/VCG)