Star Ate Its Planet, Left Lithium Clue | Science News

Scientists may have caught a star in the act of devouring one of its own planets—thanks to a lithium overdose that reveals the cosmic snack. Astronomers detected unusually high lithium levels in TOI-5882, a Sun-like star 1,000 light-years away, a chemical fingerprint left behind when a planet was swallowed. Since planetary engulfment is rare and fast, researchers had to hunt for clues like this lithium signature. The star’s small size rules out natural expansion, so a nearby brown dwarf may have nudged the planet into its doom. The doomed world was likely Earth-to-Neptune sized, and the discovery—backed by comparisons to 62 similar stars—hints at how often this cosmic cannibalism occurs… or maybe not. Either way, it’s a wild glimpse into the violent, chemical ballet of our universe. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6affddc9f75452f8