Metal scar suggests star ‘ate’ nearby planets

Scientists have discovered a metal scar in the atmosphere of a distant star, which suggests that the star may have ‘eaten’ nearby planets in the past.

The star, known as TOI-849, is located about 730 light-years away from Earth. Researchers observed high levels of iron and other metals in the star’s atmosphere, which is unusual for a star of its age and type.

According to the study published in the journal Nature Astronomy, the presence of these metals indicates that TOI-849 may have engulfed rocky planets or other metal-rich bodies in its early days.

This discovery sheds light on the mysterious ways in which stars can interact with their planetary systems, and highlights the violent history that some stars may have experienced.