Astronomers have uncovered evidence suggesting the Sun may have swallowed a giant Super-Earth planet during the early formation of the solar system. Published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, a study led by Professor Mutlu Yildiz of Ege University in Turkey indicates that the early solar system likely hosted a ninth planet with a mass five to 10 times greater than Earth before gravitational forces pulled it into the Sun.
Anomalies in Internal Structure and Lithium Scarcity
The research originated from discrepancies between existing models of solar evolution and recent observational data. Researchers identified two primary anomalies within the Sun: subtle shifts in its internal structure and an unusual scarcity of lithium on its surface. According to the study, the Sun has depleted significantly more lithium than standard theoretical models predict.
Computer Simulations Reveal Stellar Ingestion
Through computer simulations modeling the expansion of the Sun’s outer layers, the research team found that a planetary collision and subsequent ingestion would force the majority of surface lithium down into deeper stellar layers. Once pushed into the hotter interior, the lithium element destroyed much faster than it would have at the surface. As described in the findings, the impact of swallowing a massive planetary body drives most lithium elements into deeper layers where destruction occurs at an accelerated rate.
Addressing a Long-Standing Galactic Mystery
This theoretical event addresses a long-standing question in astronomy regarding the makeup of the solar system. While Super-Earth planets appear frequently around other distant stars throughout the galaxy, the solar system lacks a planet of this specific mass category. Researchers propose that the missing Super-Earth did not fail to form, but rather fell victim to the Sun’s early gravitational pull.
Chemical Signatures and the Need for Future Technology
Despite the high temperatures of the Sun’s plasma structure, a planet crossing its outer layers would leave traceable chemical signatures before dissolving entirely. The research team notes that the conclusions rely entirely on computational models. Absolute confirmation of the event will require future technological advancements capable of reconstructing ancient stellar history with precise detail.
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