MEET TWIN STARS OF THE UNIVERSE, WHICH GOBBLE UP PLANETS

Why in the news?

Twin stars in a study reveal signs of planet ingestion, challenging the stability of planetary systems, highlighting potential chaos.

source:medium

About the Twin Stars and Planetary Ingestion:

  • The study focuses on pairs of stars formed within the same interstellar cloud, sharing identical chemical makeup, mass, and age, known as “twin” stars.
  • While moving together within the Milky Way galaxy, these pairs are not binary systems gravitationally bound to each other.
  • In seven pairs, one star exhibited evidence of ingesting a planet, evidenced by changes in its chemical composition.
What is the Galaxy ?

●   A galaxy is an immense assembly of gas, dust, stars, and solar systems bound by gravity.

●   Earth resides in the Milky Way Galaxy, featuring a supermassive black hole at its centre.

What is A twin star?

●   A twin star, also known as a double star or visual double, refers to a pair of stars that appear closely situated when observed from Earth, particularly with the assistance of optical telescopes.