The nearby (on a galactic scale) star Fomalhaut has a giant ring that has puzzled astronomers since its discovery in 2005. Evidence has now been published that the ring is even more out of kilter with expectations, and a giant planet probably has a role. The rest of this article is behind a paywall. Please sign in or subscribe to access the full content.

Fomalhaut is not a name that rolls easily off the tongue. Most people would be surprised to learn it’s brighter than much more famous stars such as Castor and Regulus. A strange-sounding name and a southern location aren’t good for fame. Its status is much higher among astronomers, however, thanks to a giant, oddly-shaped debris ring that led to it being given the nickname the “ Great Eye of Sauron .”

Very young stars are usually surro

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