News Astronomy Snacking in space: Star dines on planet By Ron Cowen May 16, 2001 at 10:31 am - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Depiction of a planet in a death plunge. 2001 Lynette Cook Burp! A star has been caught red-handed with the digested remains of one or more of its own planets. Studying the light from the star HD 82943, known to have two planets, astronomers have found that its atmosphere contains a fragile lithium isotope.