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2% of Red Dwarfs Reveal Planet-Engulfing Lithium Signatures

6/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Astronomer Robin Jeffries of Keele University reported six red dwarfs with lithium, indicating recent planet engulfment.
The Gaia-ESO survey screened 318 red dwarfs and identified six cluster members with high lithium, ruling out younger interlopers.
Their lack of magnetic activity and model estimates of three-to-ten Earth masses of accreted rock imply 2-3% of red dwarfs are planet-munchers, per the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

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Story summary

Astronomer Robin Jeffries of Keele University reported six red dwarfs with lithium, indicating recent planet engulfment.
The Gaia-ESO survey screened 318 red dwarfs and identified six cluster members with high lithium, ruling out younger interlopers.
Their lack of magnetic activity and model estimates of three-to-ten Earth masses of accreted rock imply 2-3% of red dwarfs are planet-munchers, per the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.