The International Union of Astronomers has reported the observation of two ice giant exoplanets engaged in a cataclysmic planetary collision around a star reminiscent of our Sun. This monumental event was accompanied by an intense flash of light followed by an enormous plume of dust.
Initial care
The intrigue surrounding this star system began when an astronomer, while studying the star’s light curve, noticed a strange pattern. The system’s brightness at infrared wavelengths revealed a two-fold increase about three years before the star’s significant dimming in visible light.
Dr. Matthew Kenworthy, co-lead writer University of Leiden, described his surprise at this unusual observation, admitting that the phenomenon was completely unexpected. When the initial visible light curve data was disseminated among the astronomical community, it attracted the attention of other experts, prompting them to intensify the study of this star using a combination of telescopes.
The role of social media in this innovation is significant. Another astronomer’s post highlighted the star’s increased brightness in the infrared, a phenomenon that occurred a millennium before the observed optical dimming.
Investigating and naming planetary collisions
The study’s central star is named ASASSN-21qj, a name derived from a network of telescopes that detect visible wavelengths. Over the next two years, the star was closely monitored by both professional and amateur astronomers.
Their joint research led to a consensus on the most likely cause behind these observations. Infrared glow, recorded by NASA newbie The mission — a mission primarily aimed at detecting asteroids and comets using space telescopes — originated from the collision of two ice giant exoplanets.
Another co-lead author is Dr Simon Locke, from the University of Bristol Earth Science The department clarified their hypothesis by referring to their calculations and simulations. He explained that the characteristics and longevity of the observed glowing object were in line with what one would expect from an impact between two such celestial bodies.
What happens after planets collide?
The aftermath of this interplanetary collision was seen as an expansive debris cloud. As the cloud traveled in front of the star, it faded approximately three years after the infrared flare.
The implications of this conflict continue. Astronomers expect the debris cloud to eventually be distributed around the orbit of the collision’s remnants. As it unfolds, light scattering from the cloud can be observed using both ground-based telescopes and NASA’s flagship space telescope. JWST.
What happens next to the planets?
The astronomical community is full of anticipation about the system’s future trajectory. Associate Professor at the University of Bristol, Dr. Zoe Leinhardt speculates on possible developments in the aftermath of this cosmic event. She predicts the possibility that the accreted material will coalesce to form a series of moons that will then orbit the emerging planet.
This event has provided the astronomical community with a rare and valuable opportunity to observe and understand the dynamics of exoplanet collisions. As the remnants of this massive impact continue to form, astronomers worldwide will be on alert, hoping to gain more insights from this unprecedented event.
More on planetary collisions
As we learned above, planetary collisions, while they may sound like science fiction, play an important role in shaping our universe. These cataclysmic events dictated the fates of pseudo-planets, nascent moons, and even entire solar systems.
How do planetary collisions occur?
In vast space, gravitational forces rule supreme. Planets, protoplanets and other celestial bodies dance to this cosmic tug. Occasionally, these orbits intersect or become unstable, leading the two bodies to collide. The size, speed and angle of impact dictate the outcome of these collisions.
Birth of Earth’s Moon
Our own Moon serves as a testament to these violent events. Most scientists believe that about 4.5 billion years ago, a Mars-sized body called Thea collided with the young Earth.
The impact threw a large amount of debris into space that eventually formed the moon. This theory, called the giant impact hypothesis, explains why the Moon and Earth have similar isotopic compositions.
Formation and destruction of planets
Not all influences result in creation; Some lead to destruction. Early in the history of our solar system, rogue protoplanets may have wandered around, sometimes smashing into each other. These collisions can disintegrate a protoplanet, scattering its material and preventing it from becoming a full-sized planet.
Conversely, collisions can also form planets. Dust and rock, through innumerable collisions, gradually grow to stick together. Over time, these connected bodies accumulate enough mass for other debris to destroy their orbits, earning them the title of planet.
Future planetary collisions
Although massive collisions between mature planets in our solar system are unlikely due to established and relatively stable orbits, other star systems such as ASASSN-21qj discussed above still experience such events. These impacts can change planetary atmospheres, affect orbits, or create new celestial bodies.
Planets collide in search of life
Collisions also play a role in our search for extraterrestrial life. Its impact can remove a planet’s atmosphere or create conditions unsuitable for life. However, they can also provide vital supplies such as water to otherwise barren worlds.
Planetary conflicts, however violent and chaotic, are essential threads in the cosmic web. They remind us of the dynamic nature of our universe, where creation and destruction often go hand in hand. As we continue our journey through the universe, understanding these phenomena will undoubtedly shed light on our past and point to our future.
The full study is published in the journal Nature.
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