By- Srushti sharma
Scientists observed a young Sun-like star that experienced a significant drop in brightness.
Prior to the brightness dip, the star exhibited a sudden increase in infrared luminosity lasting 1,000 days.
Around 2.5 years into the heightened luminosity period, an eclipse occurred, lasting 500 days.
Investigation revealed a giant cloud of gas and dust as the cause of both the luminosity spike and the eclipse.
This cloud likely formed from a violent collision between two exoplanets, one potentially rich in ice.
The collision liquefied the planets, leaving behind a molten core surrounded by a cloud of debris.
Data from NASA's WISE mission and ASAS-SN survey facilitated the discovery.
The research team proposes using the JWST to further study the aftermath of the planetary collision.
The collision's intensity suggests the planets were several to tens of Earth masses.
This discovery sheds light on the dynamic processes shaping young planetary systems.