BEING EATEN ALIVE

1 Tidal parade

A larger outer gas giant slows the orbits of the inner worlds.

2 A planetary conveyer belt

The orbits of the slowing inner planets lead them into the star.

3 Reducing speed

The larger outermost planet begins to slow by passing through dust in the disc.

4 Hot Jupiter

Before it can fall into the star, the dust disc dissipates and the larger planet’s orbit stabilises. A hot Jupiter is born – a gas giant that sizzles at unbearably high temperatures.