Astronomers have observed a star, known as VVV-WIT-08, devouring a planet that had strayed too close to its gravitational pull. The unusual event was captured by the Chilean Very Large Telescope, revealing the star to be a “swallower” of planets.
While the star is located over 25,000 light-years away from Earth, this discovery has raised questions about the fate of our own planet. It’s no secret that our sun will eventually die out, but before it does, it will become a red giant, expanding to over 100 times its current size and engulfing Mercury, Venus, and possibly even Earth.
However, this won’t happen for at least another 5 billion years, so there’s no need to panic just yet. But this new discovery highlights the harsh reality that our planet, like many others, is not immune to the destructive forces of the universe.
While the idea of Earth being swallowed by our sun may seem terrifying, it’s also a reminder of the impermanence of everything in our universe. The stars and planets that we see today will eventually be replaced by something else, and the cycle of creation and destruction will continue.
So, while we should certainly strive to take care of our planet and ensure its survival for as long as possible, we must also recognize that nothing lasts forever. The star VVV-WIT-08 has given us a glimpse into our own future, but it’s up to us to make the most of the time we have before that future arrives.
