UNAWE Space Scoop - Watch Out, Earth! A Dying Star Just Ate A Planet

<p><a href= "https://spacescoop.org/en/scoops/2312/watch-out-earth-a-dying-star-just-ate-a-planet/"> https://spacescoop.org/en/scoops/2312/watch-out-earth-a-dying-star-just-ate-a-planet/</a></p> <p>For the first time astronomers found direct clues of a dying sun-like star eating an exoplanet. The star is in the constellation Aquila, the Eagle, and is called ZTF SLRN-2020, but for now let’s just call it 2020. So much easier to remember!</p> <p> </p> <p>Using the NSF NOIRLab’s Gemini South Telescope in Chile, researchers observed a long burst of light coming from the star, a burst low in energy. This is a telltale sign of a planet skimming along near the star's surface. This ‘long & low’ stellar outburst took place in our Milky Way nearly 13,000 light-years away from Earth.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p> </p> <p>Such events are estimated to occur at most only a few times each year and maybe only once a decade, across the entire Milky Way galaxy. So should planets like Mercury, Venus and Earth be worried?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Let’s find out!</p> <p> </p> <p>We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.<span class= "Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Just visit: <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy">https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy</a> and donate as much as you can!</p> <p>Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Every bit helps! Thank you!</p> <p>------------------------------------</p> <p>Do go visit <a href= "http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop">http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop</a> for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness!</p> <p><a href= "http://cosmoquest.org/Donate">http://cosmoquest.org/Donate</a> This show is made possible through your donations.<span class= "Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>Thank you! (Haven'