Scientists Trace Rare Cosmic Outburst to a Massive Planetary Collision Around Gaia20ehk

Astronomers have reported evidence of two planets colliding around a distant Sun-like star, Gaia20ehk, located about 11,000 light-years away. The star’s light output remained steady until 2016, when it exhibited three minor dimming events; by 2021, the light curve reportedly “went completely bonkers.” Follow-up infrared observations revealed a burst of heat coinciding…Astronomers have reported evidence of two planets colliding around a distant Sun-like star, Gaia20ehk, located about 11,000 light-years away. The star’s light output remained steady until 2016, when it exhibited three minor dimming events; by 2021, the light curve reportedly “went completely bonkers.” Follow-up infrared observations revealed a burst of heat coinciding…