Space

Scientists See A Sun-Like Star Shred An Earth-Like Planet

Scientists have seen a white dwarf star vaporizing a rocky planet, which is exactly what could happen to Earth if it survives the death of the sun.

Scientists See A Sun-Like Star Shred An Earth-Like Planet
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics / Mark A. Garlick
SMS

This is a white dwarf star. 

One day, the sun will be a white dwarf, which means this might be Earth's fate someday. (Video via NASA)

Scientists believe white dwarfs destroy planets with gravity and intense heat. Now they've seen it.

This video includes images from Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics / Mark A. Garlick and NASA.