Is our solar system normal or odd? Scientists are beginning to understand one of astronomy's biggest mysteries as they study more than 5,500 exoplanets (and counting) around other stars.
However, a serious complication complicates the search for “normal” planetary systems: some stars eat their own planets.
A recent Nature study suggests that planetary engulfment may be a cosmic norm rather than a malfunction.
Researchers from around the world examined dozens of pairs of co-natal stars—stars born at the same moment from the same dust and gas.
Both should start with similar compositions. Scientists observed that 8% of twin couples had one star that was emitting planet-like components.
According to research author Yuan-Sen Ting, an astrophysicist at the Australian National University, “the signals we see are really strong.” The team's 8 percent estimate may be low, but weaker, harder-to-confirm evidence of planetary engulfment may also be present.
Before, co-natal stellar twins were researched to find hungry stars on planet-based diets, but not so thoroughly. Study "links so many things together.
Although not involved with the research, University of California, Riverside astrophysicist Stephen Kane says it's cool.