hot Jupiter exoplanets observed that certain stars exhibited exceptionally weak calcium emission lines in their spectra. This phenomenon occurs when planets revolve closely around their stars. The heat and radiation turn rock, metals, and gases on the surface into vapor, forming a cloud with a tail reminiscent of a comet. As starlight passes through this cloud, it absorbs particular wavelengths, including that of calcium. The star appears more subdued due to the dimmed wavelengths, masking its true activity.
In 2026, DMPP researchers published a study of 24 stars that exhibited similar calmness. Of these stars, fourteen were found to host 24 planets, with seven of those being newly identified. This innovative technique for detecting planets— even those in the process of being obliterated—could greatly influence future studies.