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Star Swallows Companion, Burps Out Planet-Forming Cloud

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the really-hot-star-on-star-action dept.

New Scientist is reporting that BP Piscium, an unusual star recently under scrutiny from astronomers, may have swallowed a nearby companion and spewed out a planet-forming dust cloud as a result. The team has also identified a similar scenario with another star which they hope will offer more answers.

98 comments

  1. I, for one, welcome our... by Will+the+Chill · · Score: 4, Funny

    planet-forming-cloud belching overlords!

    -WtC

    *sig fault, core dumped*

    --
    Creator of RPerl, Scouter, Juggler, Mormon, Perl Monger, Serial Entrepreneur, Aspiring Astrophysicist, Community Organiz
    1. Re:I, for one, welcome our... by killmofasta · · Score: 2, Interesting

      "planet-forming-cloud belching overlords!"
      HAHAHHAHHAA!!!! HAHAHAHAHHAHAH!

      I would think it would be 'star-swollowing-planet-forming-cloud-belching overlords!l

      Mod parent +1, funny.
      ( should be call +5 funny, Hysterical? )
      I totally didnt expect this, its poinient and funny at the same time.

      Good work.

    2. Re:I, for one, welcome our... by Drinking+Bleach · · Score: 2, Funny

      Were they ever worth something? Man, and to think of the hundreds of dollars I could've gotten from selling my modpoints.

    3. Re:I, for one, welcome our... by Tablizer · · Score: 1

      Even aliens love Mexican food.

      --
      Table-ized A.I.
    4. Re:I, for one, welcome our... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Were they ever worth something?

      Yes. Unfortunately now people think 'offtopic' means 'funny' and 'funny' means 'redundant', 'obvious', or 'didn't get the joke the first time, so repeated it'.

    5. Re:I, for one, welcome our... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What's truly frightening to me about this is not even your "joke".

      I mean, I would expect some cutesy pun like "sig fault" in a /. signature - but not actually typed out at the end of a post! It's pathetic even for someone who signs their posts on the web at all...

  2. Questions? by AikonMGB · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    What puzzling questions? I guess that's why I should read the article? O_o

    Aikon-

    1. Re:Questions? by omeomi · · Score: 3, Funny

      What puzzling questions? I guess that's why I should read the article? O_o

      Here's one, how did British Petroleum manage to buy a star and name it BP Piscium? Are oil profits really that good? ;-)

      --
      ZuluPad, the wiki notepad on crack
    2. Re:Questions? by peragrin · · Score: 2, Interesting

      well Exxon mobile cleared enough profit last year alone to buy yahoo in cash, where as MSFT will have to resort to 50% cash and 50% stock.

      you do the math.

      --
      i thought once I was found, but it was only a dream.
    3. Re:Questions? by SlashWombat · · Score: 5, Funny

      Well, its an unusual star. The article says its low on Lithium, so its probably just been skipping its schizophrenia medication.

    4. Re:Questions? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Questions like:
        - Why did Rosie O'Donnell eat her domestic partner?
        - And why hasn't she been arrested yet?

      Thank you. Thank you. I'll be here all week. Don't forget to watch me on The Apprentice.
      Sincerely, Donald Trump

    5. Re:Questions? by rbanffy · · Score: 1

      Whatever the questions are, we will have them answered in about a couple billion years, as soon as the planets are fully formed.

      --
      http://www.dieblinkenlights.com
    6. Re:Questions? by TurinPT · · Score: 1

      It costs around $20 to name a star btw.

    7. Re:Questions? by smurgy · · Score: 5, Funny

      Given that it was hungry enough to eat a whole other star I'd say it was not only low on Lithium, it was high on weed and seriously munching.

    8. Re:Questions? by glitch23 · · Score: 1, Informative

      Naming a star and owning a star are 2 different things, especially if you don't care if your star has hundreds of other names by other people. This is because star registries are not offical astronomical registries and each registry is independently owned and operated. Basically the registries are a gimmick and that's why it's so cheap. Owning a star...well, as far as I know I don't believe that is possible given the International Space Treaty.

      --
      this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom. -- Lincoln, Gettysburg Address
    9. Re:Questions? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Heh - given the articles we've been subjected to this week, I kept waiting for the part where they explain how this is yet another reason why "Vista sucks"...

      -AC

    10. Re:Questions? by icebones · · Score: 1

      The treaty prevents governments from claiming ownership, not people or corporations.

      --
      Life is pain. Anyone who says differently is selling something.
    11. Re:Questions? by Viper+Daimao · · Score: 3, Interesting

      though they also payed as much taxes as half of america.

      --
      "In the game of life, someone always has to lose. To me, if life were fair, that someone would always be Oklahoma." -DKR
    12. Re:Questions? by MadnessASAP · · Score: 1

      Don't you give me that bullshit line, It's completely fucking retarded and you know it.

      --
      I may agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to face the consequences of saying it.
    13. Re:Questions? by superash · · Score: 2, Funny

      Given that it was hungry enough to eat a whole other star

      I hope my _sun_ does not do that!~

    14. Re:Questions? by ketamine-bp · · Score: 1

      Sorry, sir, but lithium is probably better at treating bipolar affective disorder than schizophrenia.

    15. Re:Questions? by meringuoid · · Score: 1
      The treaty prevents governments from claiming ownership, not people or corporations.

      Which is the line that guy selling land on the moon peddles. It won't stick either. It's stretching plausibility to claim, and sell, land you have never even visited and in fact are not capable of visiting. Traditionally you have to at least plant a flag - and normally, you have to live on the land a while and prove you can sustain your colony before anyone will recognise your claim. That, and have enough guns to argue your case the hard way if necessary.

      --
      Real Daleks don't climb stairs - they level the building.
    16. Re:Questions? by glitch23 · · Score: 0

      The treaty prevents governments from claiming ownership, not people or corporations.

      That's right. I forgot what the exact wording was of the Treaty. Of course, just because you have a piece of paper that says you own something doesn't mean squat unless others honor it. Supposedly Congress has backed the guy that sells "land" on the Moon but that is still different than 1 person owning the entire Moon. When it comes to our gaseous neighbors I have to wonder how you can sell land though. Of course the same problem comes with buying up stellar land since there is no rock. I guess if you can convince someone or a group of people (that matter) that your ownership of a celestial object is legally binding then you are golden, otherwise I hope you have a lot of money because you would have just wasted some of it in buying the celestial object.

      --
      this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom. -- Lincoln, Gettysburg Address
    17. Re:Questions? by PingPongBoy · · Score: 1

      well Exxon mobile cleared enough profit last year alone to buy yahoo in cash, where as MSFT will have to resort to 50% cash and 50% stock.


      Like stars, Yahoo is way overpriced. Buying with stock makes sense, if you are a company like Microsoft and able to turn Yahoo into something. If Exxon bought Yahoo with cash, it would take quite some time to realize a return on investment, about as much time as it takes to generate ROI on money paid for a star, from the star itself. BTW, if anyone wants to pay someone for a star, I'll take the deposit.

      --
      Know your pads. One time pad: good for cryptography. Two timing pad: where to take your mistress.
    18. Re:Questions? by peragrin · · Score: 1

      actually MSFT will never achieve a ROI on yahoo. MSFT is a directionless company with a handful of good products looking for anything to help them compete. yahoo is a directionless company with a handful of good products trying to figure out how to compete.

      The two merged would be worse than AOL time warner. It just won't work. the neither side has anything of major value that the other side can't have now.

      Sure you can name a few yahoo offerings but in the end there is really nothing new for either side.

      --
      i thought once I was found, but it was only a dream.
  3. that can happen when you eat hot spicy stuff... by markana · · Score: 2, Funny

    It should probably down a couple of gas giants, or maybe a cool nebula.

    1. Re:that can happen when you eat hot spicy stuff... by killmofasta · · Score: 1

      "It should probably down a couple of gas giants, or maybe a cool nebula."

      Again, as a guy who aced 4 years of astronomy, this stuff is really funny. Your mind works is very strange ways. Thanks.

  4. Swallows, burps... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You do *not* want to know what it farts... trust me.

  5. looks like by WormholeFiend · · Score: 4, Funny

    it's a star-eat-star universe after all, eh

    1. Re:looks like by Purity+Of+Essence · · Score: 4, Funny

      Are you Sirius?

      --
      +0 Meh
    2. Re:looks like by Torvaun · · Score: 1

      Why don't I have mod points for this?

      --
      I see your informative link, and raise you a pithy comment.
    3. Re:looks like by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

      Why don't I have mod points for this?


      Because you wasted them modding down a troll for saying NIGGER.


    4. Re:looks like by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Fucking brilliant.

    5. Re:looks like by h3rb3v0r3 · · Score: 1, Funny

      Piscium-bly yes, Piscium-bly no.

    6. Re:looks like by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      FUCKING NIGGER.

  6. I pity astronomers by Dunbal · · Score: 4, Insightful

    It's like trying to understand human psychology via unrelated still photographs of humans from orbit.

    --
    Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
    1. Re:I pity astronomers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

      It's like trying to understand human psychology via unrelated still photographs of humans from orbit.

      Or like trying to parse that sentence. :)

    2. Re:I pity astronomers by Facegarden · · Score: 1

      And the worst part is that all the photos are of paris hilton.
      Though in this situation, maybe rosie o'donnel fits better?
      -Taylor

      --
      Worldwide Military budgets: $2100 billion. Worldwide Space Exploration budgets: $38 billion. Really, world? Really?
    3. Re:I pity astronomers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And trying to understand the behaviour of the humans with only the life span of a fly to do it in.

      After all, the time one human spends, or the human race has spent, gazing outwards is but a blink of the eye to many heavenly bodies.

  7. the ori are doing it. by Joe+The+Dragon · · Score: 1

    as they are being killed off.

  8. Damn it... by fsckr · · Score: 2, Funny

    I thought this was another random Hollywood story, think about it, it makes just about as much sense.

    --
    fsckr.com - go fusk yourself!
  9. Om nom nom nom by Rhinobird · · Score: 3, Funny

    *burp*

    --
    If Mr. Edison had thought smarter he wouldn't sweat as much. --Nikola Tesla
    1. Re:Om nom nom nom by $RANDOMLUSER · · Score: 2, Funny

      *burp*
      ...and there was light...

      There, fixed that for you.
      --
      No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism. - Winston Churchill
    2. Re:Om nom nom nom by Tangamandapiano · · Score: 1

      Who knows it was not a burp... well, reminds me of this

    3. Re:Om nom nom nom by Tangamandapiano · · Score: 1

      I meant, this: http://www.mypartypost.com/watchvideo/2625/FAMILY_GUY-_Big_Bang

    4. Re:Om nom nom nom by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      FILTH!!!

  10. Actually by Vexor · · Score: 1

    I'd be willing to bet their answers only lead to more puzzling questions.

    --
    ~Vexed and loving it!
    1. Re:Actually by rtyhurst · · Score: 0, Redundant

      I for one welcome our new star-swallowing overlords...

    2. Re:Actually by scottv67 · · Score: 2, Funny

      I for one welcome our new star-swallowing overlords...

      Ain't that sweet? I appreciate your hospitality.
      -Divine Brown

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divine_Brown_(sex_worker)

    3. Re:Actually by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      if you choose well, you are at three clicks away from porn from this link.

  11. I hereby... by Datamonstar · · Score: 1

    ... dub thee Homer.

    --
    The eternal struggle of good vs. evil begins within one's self.
  12. Then it would read... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Paris Hilton swallows* companion, burps out paparazzi spawning** story.

    *And I mean literally eat the poor bastard alive. Wouldn't surprise me.

    **Because anything that mindless is not born, it simply spawns out thin air. They also have a hive mind. Sorta like the Borg, but more annoying.

  13. Galactic Pr0n by hyades1 · · Score: 3, Funny

    ..."may have swallowed a nearby companion and spewed out a planet-forming dust cloud as a result"...

    Are you sure the name of that star isn't B.J. Piscium?

    --
    I've calculated my velocity with such exquisite precision that I have no idea where I am.
    1. Re:Galactic Pr0n by fsckr · · Score: 1

      Yeah, hardcore swallowing and gagging action 'starring' B.J Pisscum

      --
      fsckr.com - go fusk yourself!
    2. Re:Galactic Pr0n by Vectronic · · Score: 1

      Right... BJ, PissCum, all a part of the Crotch Galaxy...

  14. "Star" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "Star swallows companion, burps"

    My first thought was, oh no, what has Britney Spears done to warrant a slashdot story?

  15. Photos by radimvice · · Score: 1

    Photos of this amazing interstellar phenomenon here.

  16. Re:Swallows, burps... by calebt3 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Rainbows?

  17. I think I've seen this before... by calebt3 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Doomsday Machine, stellar edition!

    1. Re:I think I've seen this before... by Xinef+Jyinaer · · Score: 4, Funny

      That's no mo- Oh to hell with it, I'll just get modded down anyway.

      --
      Some days I just get bored and Troll post all the memes I can think of...
  18. We here on the planet Belch...... by edwardpickman · · Score: 1

    Refer to it as the "The Time of the Great Kegger".

  19. Gotta cut down by HangingChad · · Score: 1

    it's a star-eat-star universe after all, eh

    I couldn't possibly have another bite of star. My doctor says I have to cut down on hydrogen.

    --
    That's our life, the big wheel of shit. - The Fat Man, Blue Tango Salvage
  20. First thought was that the "star" mentioned... by SensitiveMale · · Score: 1

    was Paris Hilton.

    I watch way too much porn.

    1. Re:First thought was that the "star" mentioned... by Robber+Baron · · Score: 1

      First thought was that the "star" mentioned... ...was Paris Hilton. Ummm...don't you mean Delta Burke?
      --

      You're using her as bait, Master!

  21. Oh, like "in the sky" star not "Hollywood" star by blake182 · · Score: 1

    I had this image of Kevin James eating Ray Romano when I read the title. Sigh. I guess I need more help than I thought.

    1. Re:Oh, like "in the sky" star not "Hollywood" star by DNS-and-BIND · · Score: 1
      Yes, because Slashdot is such a haven for news about vapid celebrities and the people whose empty lives consists of following the latest celebrity gossip.

      I can't even tell if I'm being sarcastic anymore.

      --
      Shutting down free speech with violence isn't fighting fascism. It IS fascism!
    2. Re:Oh, like "in the sky" star not "Hollywood" star by Nyeerrmm · · Score: 2, Insightful

      To be fair, I think Kevin James being a cannibal would be interesting news, no matter what I normally think of celebrity news.

  22. Be a bit more considerate? by v(*_*)vvvv · · Score: 1, Insightful

    I know the poster wanted to make the title catchy, but come on now. Humor with celebrity references is not quite one of the stregths of the slashdot demographic. Look at the replies! they are just horrible :(

    1. Re:Be a bit more considerate? by Sibko · · Score: 1

      Uh... I'm sure I'm not the only one with this question, but what celebrity reference is this article supposed to be referencing?

  23. Was it Britney Spears? by Undead+Ed · · Score: 3, Funny

    Jusst curious.

    Ed

    1. Re:Was it Britney Spears? by Avitor · · Score: 0

      Couldn't be, she doesn't swallow.

      --
      My /. Karma is a bum rap.
  24. Lithium by Skapare · · Score: 1

    My laptop has plenty of lithium. Does that mean it is ready to belch out some firey dust cloud?

    --
    now we need to go OSS in diesel cars
    1. Re:Lithium by dodobh · · Score: 2, Informative

      If it's a Dell, sure. http://elliottback.com/wp/archives/2006/08/20/exploding-dell-laptop-battery-bonanza/

      --
      I can throw myself at the ground, and miss.
  25. A: Because it disrupts the flow of a message by DNS-and-BIND · · Score: 5, Funny

    Q: Why is starting a comment in the Subject: line irritating?

    --
    Shutting down free speech with violence isn't fighting fascism. It IS fascism!
  26. That's why by jalet · · Score: 1

    My companion girl is not a star, that's probably why I can't make her swallow...

    --
    Votez ecolo : Chiez dans l'urne !
  27. Does this mean... by will.perdikakis · · Score: 0

    ... there will be no more Elizabeth Hasselbeck?

    --
    -Will P.
  28. A star is shining... by davidsyes · · Score: 1

    And that still makes this old news...

    --
    Previously: "Linux... Toward the Sunrise..." Now: "Linux... Toward the-- No, now, part of Every Sunrise"
  29. What? by JustOK · · Score: 1

    No comments about the big cloud coming from Uranus????

    --
    rewriting history since 2109
  30. Star swallows companion, burps...... by Brad1138 · · Score: 1

    Leave Britney Alone You Bastards!

    --
    If you could reason with religious people, there would be no religious people
  31. Dancing with the Stars by AndGodSed · · Score: 1

    Read that headline with the reality show "Dancing with the stars"; Star swallows companion...

    --

    Seven Days with Ubuntu Unity

  32. ...brilliant comment! by AndGodSed · · Score: 1

    That was a really...

    --

    Seven Days with Ubuntu Unity

  33. do it in parallel, it feels better by wikinerd · · Score: 1

    now imagine a beowulf cluster of companion-swallowing cloud-burping stars!

  34. Its Unicron! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    OMG, so those Transformer movies were right afterall! ;)

  35. Obligatory Ender Reference by psychicsword · · Score: 1

    Looks like someone just used MD. Device(aka. Molecular Disruption Device) and and turned many Buggers into dust.

  36. A: Birthday, San Francisco 1906 and Britney Spears by flabbergasted · · Score: 1

    Q: Name a cake, a quake, and a flake.

    I miss Carnak.

  37. Obvious Conclusion by PPH · · Score: 1

    Solar systems are nothing more than star farts.

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.
    1. Re:Obvious Conclusion by tcolberg · · Score: 1

      So does this mean we need to revise Sagan? "We are all star FARTS."

      Hmm, it lacks a certain romanticism for all those older than 15.

  38. ReSoviets , for one, welcome our... by X'16435934 · · Score: 0

    BAH!

    In Soviet universe, planet-forming-cloud belching overlords swallow YOU!


    --
    - Ecsad Essemal
    The Hexadecimal TV-REMOTE!
  39. The word prodigious by Ace905 · · Score: 1

    The word prodigious always reminds me of Dr. Strangelove

    ---
    it appears to be sucking up new material at a prodigious rate.
    ---

    --

    Ace
  40. Hail by PingPongBoy · · Score: 1

    A planet-forming cloud ... to a star, that kind of weather is hail.

    --
    Know your pads. One time pad: good for cryptography. Two timing pad: where to take your mistress.