Astronomers have spotted the afterglow of a collision between two giant planets in a distant star system. The collision is thought to have been so violent that it vaporized both planets, creating a cloud of hot gas and dust that is still glowing today.
The collision was spotted in a star system called ASASSN-21qj, which is located about 3,600 light-years from Earth. Astronomers first noticed the star system in December 2021, when it suddenly brightened in infrared light. This brightening was caused by the hot gas and dust cloud created by the collision.
The astronomers then used a variety of telescopes to study the star system in more detail. They found that the cloud of gas and dust was expanding rapidly, and that it was also rotating. This suggests that the collision created a new object, such as a ring system or a hot, Jupiter-like planet.
The astronomers are still working to learn more about the collision and its aftermath. However, their discovery is the first direct evidence that giant planets can collide with each other. This suggests that such collisions may be more common than previously thought.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.