Astronomers see ancient sun-like star devouring planet for the first time – and possibly Earth's fate

Astronomers have observed the first direct evidence of a dying, ancient sun-like star devouring an exoplanet. 

Using the Gemini South telescope in Chile – which is operated by the National Science Foundation's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab) – the scientists found the "smoking gun" of the event: a long and low-energy outburst from the star that is a signature of a planet skimming a star's surface. 

Although past observations have confirmed the result of planetary engulfment when sun-like stars expand – up to 1,000 times the original size – and engulf the system's inner planets, astronomers had not seen it until now. 

Such events are estimated to occur only a few times each year across the entire Milky Way. 

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