BP Psc: A Sun-like star in its “red giant” phase about 1,000 light years from Earth.
Caption: BP Psc, a more evolved version of our Sun, is seen in X-rays from Chandra (purple) and optical data (orange, green, and blue) in the composite image on the left. Astronomers think BP Psc consumed either another star or a planet as it ran out of nuclear fuel and expanded into its so-called red giant phase. The likely existence of such a "cannibal" star, illustrated by an artist in the panel on the right, provides new insight into how stars and the planets around them may interact as they age.
Scale:
Left panel is 7 arcmin across (2 light years)
Chandra X-ray Observatory
ACIS Image
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