![](http://www.ecns.cn/hd/2023/05/06/a479c40963074a09a0812fc5cb68c2d3.jpg)
An artist's interpretation released on May 3, 2023 shows a star so bloated that it's engulfing a doomed planet. (Photo/VCG)
As a star runs out of fuel, it will billow out to a million times its original size, engulfing any matter - and planets - in its wake. Scientists have observed hints of stars just before, and shortly after, the act of consuming entire planets, but they have never caught one in the act until now.
![](http://www.ecns.cn/hd/2023/05/06/8f45536c6b2f4be8bf10655640754d4e.jpg)
Photo released on May 3, 2023 shows artist’s impression of a dying sun-like star engulfing an exoplanet. (Photo/VCG)
![](http://www.ecns.cn/hd/2023/05/06/73696bc6a7be4400a356e67870bfd947.jpg)
This artist’s concept shows a planet gradually spiraling into its host star. The Jupiter-size planet pulls gas away from the star, sending it into space. There, the gas cools and becomes dust, which is visible to astronomers. (Photo/VCG)