One in 12 Stars Found to Consume Planets, Altering Their Chemical Composition

New research reveals that about 8% of stars have ingested a planet or planetary material, challenging previous assumptions about the stability of planetary systems.

Recent study shows approximately 8% of stars, or one in 12, have consumed at least one planet, suggesting stable planetary systems may be rarer than previously thought.
The research focused on 'co-natal' or twin stars, born from the same molecular cloud, to identify chemical differences indicative of planetary ingestion.
Findings could help astronomers better understand planetary evolution and the dynamics of stellar systems.
The study, published in the journal Nature, utilized data from powerful telescopes and the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite.
Despite the new insights, researchers reassure that the solar system remains stable and unlikely to experience such instability.