Astronomers at Macquarie University have confirmed that the ultra-hot Jupiter exoplanet TOI-2109b, located 870 light-years away, is experiencing orbital decay and is spiraling toward its star, which could lead to its destruction in one of three ways.

This planet is five times more massive than Jupiter, completes an orbit in just 16 hours, and is the closest hot Jupiter ever discovered, making it an exceptional candidate for studying orbital decay.

TOI-2109b's orbital period is predicted to decrease by at least 10 seconds over the next three years, although uncertainties in data mean continued observation is necessary to confirm its fate.

The planet's rapid orbital decay is influenced by stellar tidal processes and the age of its host star, with older stars potentially accelerating the decay process.

Such ultra-short period Jupiters are extremely rare, occurring at a rate of approximately 0.5%, and studying them can provide broader insights into planetary system evolution.

These findings highlight the rarity of such extreme planetary systems and their importance in understanding planetary evolution and the possible origins of rocky exoplanets.

Research into TOI-2109b may shed light on the formation of rocky planets, which could be remnants of gas giants that have undergone similar destructive processes.

Continued monitoring over the next three to five years, using data from ground-based telescopes, NASA's TESS, and ESA's CHEOPS, will be crucial to observe the predicted changes in the planet's orbit.

The potential outcomes for TOI-2109b include being torn apart by tidal forces, plunging into its star, or losing its gaseous envelope due to intense radiation, leaving behind a rocky core.