Old Stars Can Form New Planets

Smivs writes "Evidence is emerging that some old stars may develop a second set of planets long after this would normally be expected. A BBC article explains how astronomers believe the stars once had orbiting companions, but that these were engulfed when the stars expanded. This caused matter to be ejected from the stars, forming a disc of dust and gas from which planets could form anew. The two stars described in the latest study, BP Piscium and Tycho 4144 329 2, possess many signatures characteristic of stellar youngsters. However strong evidence exists that these stars are, in fact, very old."