Dust cloud, tail could explain exoplanet’s odd light pattern
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/KIC_12557548b_free.jpg?fit=860%2C460&ssl=1)
This artist's illustration of the unconfirmed exoplanet KIC 12557548 b shows it transiting its star. Some astronomers now think the planet could have a cloud of dust enveloping it along with a cometlike tail, shown in this image.
JPL-Caltech/NASA