"Metal Scar: Evidence of a Dying Star's Cannibalistic Past"

Astronomers have observed the impact site where an asteroid collided with a white dwarf star, providing insight into the fate of planetary systems. The study of a "polluted" white dwarf revealed a localized region of metallic elements, indicating a single impact event rather than gradual accretion. This suggests that planets can be dragged into a white dwarf during the red giant stage, potentially foreshadowing Earth's fate as the Sun evolves. The findings highlight the diverse outcomes for planetary systems, including rogue planets, exoplanets orbiting dead stars, and the scars of planetary impacts on white dwarfs.