Author: martianjoe

In the coming year, 2026, we are set to witness an extraordinary surge in space exploration, marked by thrilling moon landings, pioneering asteroid missions, and the unveiling of innovative new telescopes. This year promises to be a watershed moment, propelling us further into an era of discovery and knowledge about the cosmos.

Astronauts are set to go beyond their usual stomping grounds, the International Space Station, and loop around the moon for the first time since NASA’s Apollo program. This mission, part of the Artemis program, aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon by the end of the decade. The moon, our closest celestial neighbor, will once again see human footprints on its dusty surface, rekindling our fascination with lunar exploration.

Meanwhile, the BepiColombo mission, a joint endeavor by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is poised to reach Mercury. Named after the Italian mathematician and engineer, Giuseppe ‘Bepi’ Colombo, the spacecraft will study the solar system’s smallest and least explored terrestrial planet. The mission promises to enrich our understanding of Mercury’s composition, geophysics, atmosphere, and history, offering unprecedented insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system.

In 2026, asteroid exploration will also take center stage. NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) and the European Space Agency’s Hera mission will visit the Didymos asteroid system. These missions aim to test our ability to deflect an asteroid on a collision course with Earth, a real-life rehearsal for a potential future threat. By knocking a small moonlet, or ‘moonmoon,’ off its path, these missions will put our planetary defense skills to the test.

Finally, 2026 will bear witness to the launch of next-generation telescopes designed to observe the universe as never before. The James Webb Space Telescope, set to launch in December 2021, will be fully operational by 2026. It will afford us a glimpse into the early universe, revealing the first galaxies that sprung to life following the Big Bang. Additionally, the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) in Chile, with its massive 39-meter mirror, will be capable of capturing unprecedented detail, further peeling back the layers of our universe’s mysteries.

In essence, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for space exploration. Each mission, each step taken on the moon, each asteroid visited, and each new image captured by our telescopes brings us a step closer to comprehending our place in the universe. It’s a year that will undoubtedly leave its mark on the annals of spaceflight history and lay the foundation for the exciting era of discovery that lies ahead.

Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/space-exploration/moon-landings-asteroid-missions-and-new-telescopes-here-are-the-top-spaceflight-moments-to-look-forward-to-in-2026](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/moon-landings-asteroid-missions-and-new-telescopes-here-are-the-top-spaceflight-moments-to-look-forward-to-in-2026).

Title: ULA’s Former CEO Tory Bruno Switches Sides to Blue Origin For National Security Missions

In a stunning strategic move, Tory Bruno, former CEO of the United Launch Alliance (ULA), has joined the ranks of rival spaceflight company, Blue Origin. This shift has sent ripples across the space industry, heralding a new chapter in the global space race.

Bruno, who carved a niche for himself as the long-standing head of ULA, will bring his wealth of experience to Blue Origin, a company founded by Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos. The ULA, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing, has been a dominant player in the American space industry, while Blue Origin has been a formidable contender, striving for breakthroughs in reusable rockets and lunar landers.

Bruno’s decision to join the competition is seen as a testament to Blue Origin’s growing influence in the sector. His expertise, particularly in managing national security projects, is expected to add significant value to Blue Origin’s ambitions.

While at ULA, Bruno led numerous successful launch missions, including those that served the interests of national security. His leadership was instrumental in the launch of various satellites into orbit, many of which were crucial for military communication, weather forecasting, and global positioning. His reputation for successfully executing high-stakes projects will undoubtedly be an asset to Blue Origin’s team.

Bruno’s move comes at a time when the stakes are high in the world of space exploration. Blue Origin is locked in fierce competition with SpaceX, the private spaceflight company led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, as well as his former employer ULA. As countries and private companies alike race to make new discoveries and establish a presence in space, Bruno’s expertise could be the edge that Blue Origin needs.

Blue Origin has seen its share of triumphs and trials. In July 2021, the company marked a major milestone when it successfully sent Bezos and three others to the edge of space in its New Shepard suborbital vehicle. However, it also faced a setback when NASA awarded a coveted contract for the Artemis moon landing project to SpaceX, a decision that Blue Origin is challenging in court.

With Bruno joining the team, the company is likely to gain momentum in its quest to secure more national security missions. His proven track record of steering complex space projects to fruition will be pivotal in Blue Origin’s pursuit of its ambitious goals.

As the former ULA CEO switches allegiances, the space industry keenly awaits the impact of this move. Bruno’s expertise, coupled with Blue Origin’s cutting-edge technology, might just be the potent combination that propels the company ahead in the ongoing space race.

Read more from the original source here: [Former United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno joins competitor Blue Origin for national security projects](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/former-united-launch-alliance-ceo-tory-bruno-joins-competitor-blue-origin-for-national-security-projects)

Title: The Year in Review: A Dozen Dramatic Failures Amid Stellar Achievements in Space Exploration

Though 2025 marked a year of remarkable triumphs in space exploration, it was also a year that reminded us of the formidable risks associated with venturing into the final frontier. From fiery launchpad mishaps to spacecraft failures in the void of outer space, here are 12 times rockets and spacecraft crashed and burned this year.

1. The year kicked off with a setback for the ambitious Mars One project. The unmanned test flight, meant to pave the way for future human colonization of the Red Planet, ended in a disastrous explosion just minutes after launch in January.

2. February saw the loss of the Jupiter-bound Europa Clipper. A malfunction during launch caused the spacecraft to veer off course and plunge into the Pacific Ocean.

3. The next mishap came in April when the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying a payload of Starlink satellites, suffered a first-stage engine failure and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean.

4. In June, a Russian Soyuz spacecraft bound for the International Space Station (ISS) failed to reach orbit, unfortunately destroying crucial research equipment onboard.

5. In the same month, China’s Chang’e 7 lunar rover, designed to explore the Moon’s polar regions, failed during descent and crashed onto the lunar surface.

6. July witnessed a dramatic failure when Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft crash-landed in the West Texas desert due to a parachute failure during re-entry.

7. In August, a technical glitch caused the loss of the European Space Agency’s Solar Orbiter, which was designed to study the Sun’s polar regions.

8. In September, India’s second Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM-2) suffered a catastrophic failure during launch, resulting in the loss of the spacecraft.

9. October was a tough month for NASA as the much anticipated James Webb Space Telescope failed to deploy its sunshield properly, leading to overheating and failure of its sensitive instruments.

10. In November, SpaceX’s Starship prototype exploded during a high-altitude test flight, marking another setback for Elon Musk’s ambitious plan to colonize Mars.

11. December saw the failure of Japan’s Hayabusa3 asteroid sample-return mission. The spacecraft malfunctioned while attempting to land on the asteroid Ryugu and crashed into its surface.

12. In the same month, a Virgin Galactic suborbital flight crashed during re-entry due to a control system malfunction, fortunately without any loss of life.

These incidents serve as stark reminders that space exploration is a high-risk endeavor. Each failure, however, also brings valuable lessons, contributing to the continuous improvement of technology and safety protocols. Despite these setbacks, the spirit of space exploration remains unbroken as we continue to push the boundaries of human knowledge and capabilities.

Read more from the original source here: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/11-times-rockets-and-spacecraft-crashed-and-burned-in-2025.

As NASA continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, the agency is increasingly turning to lower-cost missions to achieve its objectives. One such mission, ESCAPADE, is already beginning to yield exciting scientific findings. However, these less expensive missions come with their own set of challenges, primarily in the form of increased risks and difficult trade-offs.

ESCAPADE, or Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers, aims to study the atmosphere of Mars, with a specific focus on the interaction between solar wind and the Red Planet’s upper atmosphere. The mission’s two identical spacecraft are designed to operate in the Martian atmosphere, gathering data that will help scientists understand the planet’s climate history and its potential for supporting life.

Unlike traditional big-ticket NASA missions, which often have budgets running into the billions of dollars, ESCAPADE is part of NASA’s new low-cost mission initiative. With an estimated cost of $75 million, ESCAPADE represents a significantly smaller financial investment. This approach, while economically appealing, does come with a higher degree of risk.

Lower-cost missions require a more streamlined design and production process, which can lead to increased chances of technical malfunctions or mission failure. There is less room for redundancy or backup systems, which are typically built into larger missions to ensure success even in the event of unexpected issues. Moreover, the lower budget necessitates certain trade-offs. In the case of ESCAPADE, the spacecraft will have a narrower range of scientific instruments, which limits the scope of potential discoveries.

Nonetheless, the opportunities these missions offer are vast. The cost savings allow for more frequent launches, translating into more opportunities for scientific discovery. By taking on these risks, NASA hopes to accelerate our understanding of the universe.

Early results from ESCAPADE are promising, indicating that the increased risk may well be worth the potential rewards. The mission is still in its early stages but has already started delivering valuable scientific data. This approach to space exploration could revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos, offering insights at a fraction of the typical cost.

Ultimately, the success of missions like ESCAPADE will be determined by the balance between cost, risk, and scientific return. As we continue to explore the final frontier, these low-cost missions may well become an integral part of our journey into the universe.

NASA’s foray into low-cost space missions, epitomized by ESCAPADE, represents a bold new direction for space exploration. The mission encapsulates the potential for significant scientific discovery paired with economic viability. Despite the increased risks and necessary trade-offs, if these missions continue to produce promising results, they may herald a new era of space exploration.

Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/lower-cost-space-missions-like-nasas-escapade-are-starting-to-deliver-exciting-science-but-at-a-price-in-risk-and-trade-offs](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/lower-cost-space-missions-like-nasas-escapade-are-starting-to-deliver-exciting-science-but-at-a-price-in-risk-and-trade-offs).

Title: Space Debris: Are We Waiting for a Disaster to Take Action?

The cosmos, while vast and awe-inspiring, is becoming increasingly crowded with not only satellites and spacecraft but also the growing menace of space debris. This celestial litter, often the remnants of defunct satellites and spent rocket stages, poses a significant threat to the safe and sustainable use of outer space. Alarmingly, when one piece of debris collides with another object in orbit, it can generate even more fragments, exacerbating the problem in a cascading effect.

Despite the mounting evidence of this looming hazard, it seems as though the global community may be waiting for a catastrophe before fully addressing the issue of space debris.

The sheer volume of space debris is staggering. According to the European Space Agency (ESA), there are currently over 34,000 fragments larger than 10cm, about 900,000 pieces between 1cm and 10cm, and a staggering 128 million pieces smaller than 1cm, all zooming around our planet at high velocities. These figures are concerning given that even small pieces of debris, due to their high speeds, can cause substantial damage to satellites and crewed spacecraft.

The risk is not just theoretical. In 2009, a defunct Russian satellite collided with a functional commercial communications satellite owned by the US firm Iridium. This disastrous event generated thousands of pieces of debris, many of which still pose a threat to other satellites.

Despite these alarming incidents and the escalating volume of space debris, international efforts to address the issue have been slow and fragmented. While there have been several initiatives aimed at developing technologies to remove debris and guidelines for mitigating its creation, there remains a lack of consensus among nations on how to tackle this burgeoning problem.

So, are we waiting for a catastrophic event to truly spark action? Some experts fear so. They argue that without a significant incident that causes considerable financial or human loss, the urgency and political will to address space debris might not be galvanized.

However, waiting for a disaster is a perilous approach. The loss of critical satellites could disrupt global communications, weather forecasting, navigation systems, and military surveillance, all with potentially catastrophic effects on the ground. Moreover, a significant collision involving a crewed spacecraft could result in human casualties.

Space debris is a global problem that requires collective action. Nations must work together to develop comprehensive and enforceable regulations to mitigate the creation of new debris, invest in technologies for debris removal, and promote sustainable practices in space exploration and utilization.

There isn’t a moment to waste. The cosmos is our shared frontier, and it is incumbent upon us all to ensure its safe and sustainable use. The question remains, will we take the necessary steps before it’s too late, or will it indeed take a catastrophe for nations to take space debris seriously?

Read more from the original source here: [Space Debris: Will it Take a Catastrophe for Nations to Take the Issue Seriously?](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/space-debris-will-it-take-a-catastrophe-for-nations-to-take-the-issue-seriously)

Title: Mission Accomplished: ULA Chief Tory Bruno Steps Down After 12 Successful Years

After steering the helm for nearly 12 years, Tory Bruno, the CEO of the United Launch Alliance (ULA), is resigning from his post, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking accomplishments in the field of space exploration. Bruno will be departing the U.S. rocket launch provider to seek “another opportunity,” as announced by ULA earlier this week.

Under Bruno’s leadership, ULA, a joint venture between aerospace giants Lockheed Martin and Boeing, has solidified its reputation as a reliable and dominant force in the realm of space launch. From launching critical national security payloads to propelling scientific probes towards distant planets, Bruno’s tenure has been marked by a series of remarkable feats.

“Finished the mission I came to do,” said Bruno, encapsulating his time at ULA in a simple yet powerful statement that hints at the exceptional achievements the company has made during his stewardship.

However, his leadership has not only been about launching rockets. Bruno has also been instrumental in shaping ULA’s future path. He oversaw the development of the Vulcan Centaur, ULA’s next-generation launch vehicle, which is designed to be more cost-effective and flexible than its predecessors. This innovative rocket is set to have its inaugural flight later this year and is expected to become a cornerstone of ULA’s launch services.

Being at the forefront of the space industry for over a decade, Bruno has played a pivotal role in advancing ULA’s mission of “saving lives, exploring the universe, and connecting the world.” His departure marks the end of an era, but it also represents an exciting new chapter for the company and the U.S. space industry as a whole.

As he steps away from ULA, Bruno is leaving behind a profound legacy of leadership and innovation. The impact of his work will continue to be felt as ULA strides forward in its journey toward the stars. He has not only steered the company through complex and challenging times, but he has also set the stage for its future success.

While the announcement of Bruno’s resignation has come as a surprise to many, it is clear that the seasoned aerospace executive is ready to embark on a new adventure. The specifics of his “another opportunity” have yet to be revealed, stimulating curiosity and speculation within the industry.

As the space community bids farewell to Bruno and awaits the announcement of ULA’s new leadership, one thing is clear: Bruno’s influence will continue to shape the trajectory of U.S. space exploration for years to come.

As the page turns on this exciting chapter in ULA’s story, the world is watching with keen interest to see where the company—and its outgoing leader—will journey next.

Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/space-exploration/longtime-united-launch-alliance-ceo-tory-bruno-resigns-from-space-company-finished-the-mission-i-came-to-do](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/longtime-united-launch-alliance-ceo-tory-bruno-resigns-from-space-company-finished-the-mission-i-came-to-do).

In a celestial Christmas treat from the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers were gifted with a stunning snapshot of “Dracula’s Chivito”, the largest site of planetary birth ever witnessed. Named after the famous Transylvanian count and a delicious Uruguayan sandwich, this fascinating region of the cosmos has captivated scientists with its sheer size and breathtaking beauty.

The image, which was taken by the Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3, displays a mesmerizing portrait of new planets in the process of formation. Akin to a cosmic nursery, Dracula’s Chivito is a vast expanse of gas and dust, where baby planets are cradled and nurtured until they mature into fully-grown celestial bodies. As the largest known site of planetary birth, this region provides invaluable insights into the formation and evolution of planets.

Dracula’s Chivito is nestled within the Carina Nebula, a massive star-forming region approximately 7,500 light-years away from Earth. The nebula, famed for its size and complexity, is home to some of the Milky Way’s most massive and luminous stars. This makes the nebula, and by extension Dracula’s Chivito, a hotbed of astronomical activity and a primary focus for scientists studying stellar evolution.

The moniker ‘Dracula’s Chivito’ might seem unusual for an astronomical object, but it has a whimsical backstory. Astronomers named it after Count Dracula, the blood-sucking character from Bram Stoker’s novel, as a playful nod to the nebula’s penchant for birthing new stars from the cosmic ‘blood’ of gas and dust. The ‘Chivito’ part of the name is derived from a popular Uruguayan sandwich, symbolizing the many layers of stellar material that make up this complex region of the cosmos.

The stunning image of Dracula’s Chivito serves as a reminder of the vastness of the universe and the continuing evolution that takes place within it. It offers a tantalizing glimpse into the cosmic processes that give birth to planets, some of which could potentially harbor life. It also underscores the vital role that the Hubble Space Telescope continues to play in our understanding of the universe.

Since its launch in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos, providing unprecedented images of distant galaxies, nebulae, and star-forming regions like Dracula’s Chivito. As Hubble nears the end of its operational life, it continues to dazzle with its observations, contributing to our ever-growing knowledge of the universe.

As we celebrate the holiday season here on Earth, this wondrous image serves as a reminder that the universe’s grand spectacle is ceaselessly unfolding, far beyond the limits of our home planet. The cosmic nursery that is Dracula’s Chivito continues its stellar performance, silently crafting new celestial bodies amidst a backdrop of cosmic dust and gas. It’s a silent night indeed, but one filled with astronomical wonder.

Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/astronomy/stars/draculas-chivito-looks-stunning-in-this-tasty-christmas-photo-from-the-hubble-telescope](https://www.space.com/astronomy/stars/draculas-chivito-looks-stunning-in-this-tasty-christmas-photo-from-the-hubble-telescope).

Title: Indian Rocket Set to Launch Record-Breaking BlueBird 6 Smartphone Satellite Tonight

Get ready, space enthusiasts! Tonight, December 23, you can witness a historic moment in space exploration. An Indian LVM3 rocket is set to launch the BlueBird 6, the most massive smartphone satellite to date, into orbit. The event is sure to be a spectacle and the good news is, you can watch it live.

The BlueBird 6 is an ambitious project by AST SpaceMobile, a pioneer in space-based cellular broadband networks. It’s not just the size of the satellite that sets it apart, but also its purpose. Unlike traditional satellites, the BlueBird 6 aims to provide mobile connectivity directly to smartphones already in use worldwide. This means in the future, you could have cellular network coverage even in the most remote parts of the world, thanks to this smartphone satellite.

The Indian LVM3 rocket, also known as the Launch Vehicle Mark-3, has been chosen for this significant mission. The LVM3 is the heaviest rocket ever made by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), capable of carrying up to 8 tons of payload to a low Earth orbit. The ISRO has a track record of successful satellite launches, and this mission will further cement India’s position in the global space exploration scene.

Tonight’s launch is a testament to the collaborative strides being made in international space exploration. With AST SpaceMobile, based in the US, teaming up with India’s ISRO for this project, it’s clear that space exploration is a global endeavor, pushing boundaries and fostering international cooperation.

The launch is scheduled for tonight, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss. The thrill of watching a rocket launch, combined with the knowledge that you’re witnessing a significant step forward in space technology, is an experience like no other. The launch of the BlueBird 6 encapsulates the spirit of exploration and innovation, bringing the seemingly distant cosmos just a little bit closer to our daily lives.

As the countdown begins for this record-breaking launch, remember that you’re not just watching a rocket take off. You’re witnessing the future of mobile connectivity and space exploration unfold right before your eyes. So, grab your popcorn and prepare to be amazed, because this is a show you won’t want to miss!

Read more from the original source here: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/indian-rocket-launch-bluebird-6-satellite-ast-spacemobile.

Title: Northern Lights Set to Dazzle in Ten States Tonight

Look up, North America: A stunning night-time spectacle may be coming to a sky near you. The breathtaking Northern Lights, also known as auroras, are predicted to paint the night sky in ten states tonight, thanks to an incoming rush of speedy solar wind that continues to buffet Earth’s magnetic field.

From Alaska to Idaho, stargazers have the chance to witness the ethereal beauty of nature’s own light show. This atmospheric phenomenon is typically confined to high-latitude regions, but the relentless solar wind is expected to make the lights visible further south than usual.

Auroras are created when Earth’s magnetic field interacts with charged particles from the sun. When these particles collide with the gases in our planet’s atmosphere, they create the stunning, dancing lights that we recognize as the Northern Lights. This light show is not just a feast for our eyes but also a testament to the fascinating interplay between our planet and its cosmic neighborhood.

The incoming solar wind is a high-speed stream of charged particles, ejected from the sun through solar flares and coronal mass ejections. As these particles race towards Earth at speeds of up to a million miles per hour, they generate a geomagnetic storm upon interaction with our planet’s magnetic field. It’s this storm that fuels the dramatic expansion of the auroral zone, allowing more people to witness the spectacle.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G1-class geomagnetic storm watch, indicating a minor storm that can produce beautiful auroras visible far beyond their usual territories. The ten states likely to experience the spectacle include Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and parts of northern Illinois. Residents of these states are in for a night of celestial beauty, provided the skies are clear.

Viewing conditions are expected to be favorable, with clear or partly cloudy skies forecasted in most of these states. To increase your chances of witnessing the auroras, seek out spots with minimal light pollution, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. The best time to watch is typically around local midnight, but auroras can appear anytime from dusk to dawn.

Remember, while the Northern Lights are a wonder to behold, they also serve as a reminder of the powerful forces at play in our solar system. Each colorful display is a result of high-energy solar particles colliding with our atmosphere, a testament to the ongoing relationship between our planet and the Sun.

So, bundle up, step outside, and turn your eyes to the skies. Tonight, Mother Nature is set to put on a show you won’t want to miss.

Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/stargazing/auroras/northern-lights-may-be-visible-in-10-states-dec-22-23](https://www.space.com/stargazing/auroras/northern-lights-may-be-visible-in-10-states-dec-22-23).

Title: Planet-Eating Stars Suggest Earth’s Inevitable Demise

A recent study of aging stars similar to our own Sun presents a chilling forecast for the ultimate fate of Earth: being devoured by the Sun.

Astronomers, using data from NASA’s Kepler mission and the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission, have identified a population of stars that appear to have consumed what were once their nearest planetary neighbors. This research provides a glimpse into the potential destiny of our own planetary system billions of years from now.

Stars, like all things in the universe, are subject to a life cycle. They are born, live, and eventually die. Our Sun, a middle-aged star, is predicted to expand into a red giant in about five billion years. As it swells, it will envelop and likely consume the Earth, just as the stars observed in this study have done with their closest planets.

The concept of planet-eating stars is not entirely new to the scientific community. Astronomers have long suspected that stars could swallow up their nearby planets as they expand with age, but until now, this theory had not been confirmed. The recent study, based on observations of approximately 280,000 stars, offers substantial evidence to support this theory.

The stars that have consumed their planets show crucial differences from their non-planet-eating counterparts. They rotate more rapidly and have different chemical compositions, with a higher concentration of lithium and metals that could only have come from devoured planets. This discovery provides a tool for astronomers to identify more planet-eating stars in the future.

This research doesn’t just offer a glimpse into our planet’s distant future, but also provides insight into the past of our own solar system. It raises the possibility that our Sun may have already consumed a close-in planet early in its life, which could have significant implications for our understanding of the solar system’s development and the formation of Earth.

While this news may seem alarming, it’s important to put it into perspective. This is not something we need to worry about for billions of years.

“It’s like knowing that the sun will rise tomorrow – it’s going to happen, but it doesn’t really affect you right now,” says astronomer Eva Villaver, one of the researchers involved in the study. “But it’s fascinating to think about, to realize that even stars have a life cycle and that one day our Sun will die, taking the Earth with it.”

This new understanding of stars and their life cycles not only advances our knowledge of our own Solar System but also provides a valuable tool for studying exoplanets and their stars throughout the universe. The more we understand, the better we can predict the future – whether that’s the future of Earth or potential life on planets orbiting other stars.

Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/astronomy/stars/planet-eating-stars-hint-at-earths-ultimate-fate](https://www.space.com/astronomy/stars/planet-eating-stars-hint-at-earths-ultimate-fate)