"Hubble Observes Planet Experiencing Hiccups as it Evaporates"

The Hubble Space Telescope has observed an evaporating planet, AU Microscopii b, orbiting a young and volatile red dwarf star, AU Microscopii. The planet's hydrogen atmosphere is being stripped off due to the star's intense magnetic fields and super-flares. However, the observations have revealed unexpected variability in the planet's atmospheric loss, with one orbit showing no material loss and another orbit showing clear signs of atmospheric escape. This unpredictability challenges current models of planetary evolution and highlights the complex interplay between the star and the planet. Further observations will help scientists understand the extreme variability and evolution of exoplanetary atmospheres.