A rogue planet drifting alone through space is baffling astronomers as it undergoes an unprecedented growth spurt. The planet, known as Cha 1107-7626, is five to ten times the size of Jupiter and located in the Chamaeleon constellation.
Recent observations captured this planetary-mass object consuming six billion tonnes of material every second, increasing its mass faster than any other planet ever studied. Its growth mimics young stars, featuring strong magnetic activity and chemical changes typically associated with stellar objects.
The phenomenon challenges traditional distinctions between planets and stars, revealing that young rogue planets may share surprising similarities with stars during their infancy.
