8 Truly Terrifying Things In Outer Space

WASP-12b is a planet that is currently being devoured by its sun. While scientists were aware prior to this planet's discovery that a star could consume a planet, this was the first time such a phenomenon could be examined so clearly.

WASP-12b is roughly three times the size of Jupiter, and orbits its star WASP-12 so closely that it has heated the planet's surface to astonishingly high temperatures. Not only that, but it is also constantly scarfing up the planet's surface. The star is ripping this ill-fated planet apart in burning chaos at all times, while the planet travels around it at incredibly high speeds. It is estimated that WASP-12b loses roughly 6 billion metric tons of mass every second. In fact, it is being torn apart so quickly that it is no longer a sphere, but now takes the shape of an oval.

So, the next time you wake up to light peacefully making its way into your bedroom window or admire a beautiful sunset, just keep in mind how much destructive power that orange ball in the sky truly possesses. And be thankful that we're a safe distance away.