India, April 27 -- Astronomers have found rare evidence of a possible collision between two planet-like bodies around a young star about 11,000 light years from Earth.

The star, Gaia20ehk or Gaia-GIC-1, began dimming in visible light while becoming brighter in infrared, suggesting a cloud of hot dust was blocking and re-radiating its light.

Researchers say the debris may have formed after a major impact between large planetesimals, offering a rare glimpse into the violent process by which rocky planets can form.

The finding could help scientists understand how common moon-forming impacts may be in other young planetary systems.

A young star about 11,000 light years from Earth has given astronomers a rare chance to study what may be th...