News
One out of every twelve stars consumed a planet
It is a well-known fact that stars have the potential to consume planets. When a smaller planet comes too close to a larger star, the outcome is inevitable – the planet is devoured by the star. Recent research has delved into the frequency at which stars consume planets, revealing that approximately one in twelve stars have ingested at least one planet.
This groundbreaking study focuses on co-natal stars, which are not necessarily binary stars but instead originate from the same molecular cloud, implying that they possess similar chemical compositions. However, for around one in twelve stars, there are noticeable disparities in their compositions.
The research, titled “At least one in a dozen stars shows evidence of planetary ingestion,” was published in the prestigious journal Nature. Lead author Fan Liu, an ASTRO 3D Research Fellow at Monash University in Melbourne, and his team have shed light on this intriguing phenomenon.
The study elucidates that the chemical compositions of stars can be altered by the consumption of planetary material or the formation of planets, leading to distinct elemental abundance differences that can be identified through dust condensation temperature correlations.
By analyzing co-natal stars that were born in close proximity and continue to move together through space, the researchers uncovered these elusive ‘planet signatures.’ The team utilized data from the ESA’s Gaia spacecraft to identify 125 co-moving pairs of stars, of which 91 pairs were examined spectroscopically to elucidate their chemistry.
Utilizing cutting-edge telescopes like the Magellan Telescope, the Very Large Telescope, and the Keck Telescope, the researchers were able to discern chemical differences between the twin stars, providing robust evidence that one of the stars had assimilated planetary material and thus modified its composition.
While the study does not encompass stars like red giants that engulf planets as they transition from the main sequence, it highlights a previously underexplored aspect of star-planet interactions. The researchers conducted meticulous analyses to differentiate between different abundance patterns arising from atomic diffusion and planetary ingestion.
These findings challenge traditional assumptions and pose intriguing questions about the mechanisms behind star engulfment of planets, their implications for exoplanet populations, and the potential impact on planetary habitability. Yuan-Sen Ting, a co-author of the study, emphasized the significance of these observations in expanding our understanding of planetary evolution.
Ultimately, this research opens up new avenues for exploration in the field of astronomy and prompts further investigations into the complex interplay between stars and planets. The revelation that stars can consume planets adds a fascinating dimension to our comprehension of celestial phenomena, sparking curiosity about the intricate dynamics of star systems.
News
Is now the right time to invest in gold as prices have cooled?
The price of gold has climbed to record highs recently and has remained strong through much of April. And, that growth continued until the precious metal traded at around $2,390 per ounce on April 19, 2024. But since, growth in the price of the precious metal has cooled, with gold’s price now hovering around $2,300 per ounce.
This lull in gold’s price may represent an investment opportunity.
In general, investing is centered around buying assets when prices are low and selling them when prices are high – generating a profit on the difference between the two. So, considering the declines in gold’s price over the past few days, now may be the time to make your investment. But is buying gold during this lull in prices really a good idea?
Compare your gold investment options among leading brokers now.
Gold prices have cooled. Should you buy in now?
With gold’s price down from recent highs, you may be wondering if now is the right time to buy in. There are several reasons the dip in gold’s price may represent an opportunity to buy. Here are some of the biggest:
Prices may rise again
If looking at a gold price chart shows anything for certain, it shows that changes in the overall growth of the medal come in fits and spurts. Periods of price growth are typically followed by periods of declines and vice versa.
But with inflation rising in recent months – and with gold’s reputation as a safe-haven asset that can hedge against inflation – it only makes sense that the price of the precious metal will eventually start to head up again in the future. While attempting to time that directional change may be tricky, buying the precious metal while the price is down gives you the opportunity to take advantage of any upward movement that may be ahead.
Add gold to your portfolio now before prices have a chance to rise.
You may be able to make a quick profit
Gold isn’t known as an asset in which you can earn a quick return, but in today’s market, that may be the case. Don’t forget that in January, gold was trading at just $2,000 per ounce. And, by mid-April, the commodity’s price had climbed to around $2,400 per ounce. That’s about 20% growth in a matter of months, much of which happened since March 1 – an impressive climb for any investment asset.
Perhaps more importantly, gold’s price growth through the beginning of 2024 shows that the commodity doesn’t have to be a buy and hold style investment that you keep in a safety deposit box or precious metal depository for years to come. There’s also the possibility that the commodity’s price could climb further ahead, making it a compelling way to potentially generate a quick profit.
There are other benefits of investing in gold
There are other benefits of investing in gold that have little to do with the price growth seen thus far in 2024 – or the lull in prices seen over the past couple of days. Those benefits include:
- Inflation protection: Gold has long been considered an inflation hedge, and for good reason. When inflation drives the prices of consumer goods and services up – and the value of the dollar down – gold’s price tends to rise. So, it could be used to maintain the value of your portfolio during inflationary economic conditions. That’s important in today’s economic environment as stubborn inflation continues to weigh on the value of the dollar.
- Portfolio diversification: Gold’s price doesn’t always move in the same pattern that bonds or stocks do. So, mixing a reasonable amount of gold into your portfolio (up to 10% of your portfolio assets) as a diversifier could protect you from losses should one or more of your traditional portfolio assets fall in value. “If you have less than 5% – 10% of your net worth in commodities & FX (forex), you should absolutely consider adding exposure to gold and other precious metals,” says Vijay Marolia, money manager and managing partner at the wealth management firm, Regal Point Capital.
The bottom line
Gold’s price has fallen from recent highs – which may represent an opportunity to tap into growth ahead. However, gold isn’t simply a “buy while it’s low and sell while it’s a high” kind of investment opportunity. The commodity can also protect your portfolio from the stubborn inflation we’ve seen thus far in 2024 while acting as a diversification tool that could increase your risk-adjusted portfolio returns. So, consider adding gold to your portfolio today while it has the potential to grow in value.
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