In 2008, astronomers from the SuperWASP survey made a groundbreaking discovery when they spotted WASP-12b as it transited in front of its star. This exoplanet, part of a new class known as Hot Jupiters, was the first of its kind observed to orbit so closely to its parent star that it became deformed. Subsequent observations indicated that WASP-12b is on a collision course with its star, with estimates suggesting it will crash into it in about ten million years. However, a recent study by astronomers with The Asiago Search for Transit Timing Variations of Exoplanets (TASTE) project has refined this estimate, indicating that the doomed planet will meet its end in just three million years.

The study, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, presents new spectral data from the La Silla Observatory combined with 12 years of unpublished transit light curves and archival data. This data confirms earlier observations suggesting that WASP-12b is rapidly undergoing tidal dissipation and will eventually be consumed by its star. The research is part of a collaborative effort involving astronomers and astrophysicists from the National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF), CISAS, and multiple Italian universities and observatories.

WASP-12b was discovered by the Wide Angle Search for Planets (WASP) consortium, an international effort that revolutionized exoplanet studies. The discovery of Hot Jupiters like WASP-12b challenged prevailing theories on planet formation and evolution, highlighting the diversity of planetary systems in the universe. As Pietro Leonardi, lead author of the study, explained, this discovery forced scientists to reevaluate their assumptions about exoplanets and planetary systems.

The extreme nature of WASP-12b makes it a unique case for studying tidal decay and star-planet interactions. The planet’s close proximity to its host star, intense gravitational forces, and changing orbit present an ideal laboratory for exploring these phenomena. The latest observations suggest that WASP-12b’s orbit is decaying rapidly, with the planet expected to collide with its star in just three million years.

As the field of exoplanet studies continues to grow, the study of worlds beyond our Solar System offers valuable insights into planetary formation, evolution, and the potential for life elsewhere in the universe. The ongoing exploration of exoplanets like WASP-12b provides valuable data for further research and a deeper understanding of the cosmic tapestry that surrounds us.

With each new discovery, astronomers inch closer to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos and gaining a deeper appreciation for the complexity and diversity of planetary systems. The doomed fate of WASP-12b serves as a potent reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the universe, where even giant gas planets can meet their end in a fiery collision with their parent star.