Rogue planet consumes 6 billion tonnes per second
Rogue planet consumes 6B tonnes/sec, blurring line with stars.
Why it matters
- Rogue planet growing at star-like rates.
- Suggests similar formation processes for planets and stars.
By the numbers
- Consumption rate: 6 billion tonnes per second.
- Growth spurt lasted 2 months.
The big picture
- Blurs line between planets and stars.
- Rogue planets may form independently like stars.
What they're saying
- Researcher: formation processes may be similar for stars and planets.
- Commenters speculate if it could become a star.
Caveats
- Cause of growth spurt unknown.
What’s next
- Further study to clarify formation mechanisms.