'Fingerprints' inside the sun could reveal if it once swallowed a planet

Written and edited by the WorldPing NewsdeskPublished Updated Original reporting: Phys.org
'Fingerprints' inside the sun could reveal if it once swallowed a planetWorldPing
Image via Phys.org.

What happened

It is thought the sun may have engulfed a super-Earth-sized planet early in its history.

Now, a new study has gone a step further, suggesting that such an event may have left behind detectable clues inside the sun that could still be visible today.

Key facts

  • Reported by Phys.org and published Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:20:02 UTC.

Why it matters

Research findings and mission results set the evidence base that policy, funding and later discoveries build on.

What to watch next

  • Peer review status and replication of the findings
  • Mission milestones and next scheduled attempt
  • Funding or policy decisions that follow

Coverage timeline

When each newsroom published on this story, oldest first — all times UTC.

  1. A Harvest Moon with 5 planets on the side: September is the best month for stargazing, ‪and this year is extra special

  2. Strange 'fast radio bursts' across the universe could help solve major cosmic mysteries: 'It's only the beginning'

  3. First Nations ranger knowledge reveals the threats facing NT's green turtles

  4. 'Fingerprints' inside the sun could reveal if it once swallowed a planet

  5. A fake spider at the tip of this snake's tail helps it lure birds: Scientists get their first look inside it

Sources

The original report was published by Phys.org. WorldPing does not claim that reporting — this page summarises and contextualises it.

Read the full report at Phys.org

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Brief by WorldPing · Original reporting by Phys.org