![Artist's impression composed of a star with a disc around it (a Be "vampire" star; foreground) and its companion star that has been stripped of its outer parts (background).](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NoE5PuJdMZz4h9WBRf2ch6-320-80.jpg)
'Vampire' stars that bleed their companions dry may have a hidden accomplice, new study reveals
Scientists suspect that type-Be 'vampire' stars grow by preying on their smaller companions. New research suggests there may be an important third player in these systems.