A new study published in the Astrophysical Journal presents a prediction about what might happen to our solar system in the distant future. According to the researchers, the Sun will undergo a process that will significantly affect the planets that are closest to it.
Now, check out more information about the study and understand the process that will affect our solar system.
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The sun will expand and consequently swallow the planets
According to the new study, the Sun is "on the verge" of swallowing the planets closest to it, which include Mercury, Venus, and eventually Earth. Although it sounds scary, the time it will take for this to happen is measured in billions of years.
How long will it take for the sun to swallow the planets?
According to the study, the Sun will run out of its nuclear fuel (hydrogen) and begin to expand within approximately 5 billion years. This process is called planetary engulfment.
Although 5 billion years is an eternity for us humans, it is important to remember that the Earth is approximately 4.5 billion years old. So in cosmic terms, the Sun's expansion is not that far off.
understanding the process
As a result of nuclear fusion in the solar core, hydrogen converts to helium and releases an enormous amount of energy. As the Sun ages and runs out of fuel, the shortage of hydrogen in the solar core will lead to changes in the star's outer atmosphere. The Sun will undergo an expansion, turning into a red giant, capable of absorbing planets.
Scientists have used theoretical models to understand what happens to planets as they are engulfed by the expanding Sun. The description of the result varies depending on the size of the planet and the expanding star, but the study provides a basis for future more precise research.
Will humanity suffer from this?
The answer is short and direct: no! Humanity will probably not be here to witness this happening. That's because, according to predictions, the Earth will continue to be able to harbor life only until a few billion years ahead, well before the Sun swallows the planets.