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Red giant stars that eat planets might shine less brightly

The finding could affect calculations for how fast the universe is expanding

planet burning up near star illustration

Planets that orbit close to stars, as in this artist’s illustration, could get swallowed up as the star ages.

G. Bacon, ESA, NASA

By Lisa Grossman

- More than 2 years ago

When giant stars eat giant planets, their starlight may shine a bit less brightly. That dimming could affect how astronomers measure distances across the universe — and possibly even put past measurements in doubt.