Earth may avoid being engulfed by the Sun after its transformation into a red giant

Modeling the future of Earth

According to НВ — Техно: Detailed computer modeling published in the prestigious journal Astronomy & Astrophysics suggests that Earth may retain its orbit and avoid being engulfed by the Sun at the red giant stage. Researchers used the star L2 Puppis as a model for their calculations. They found that the weakening of the Sun's gravity, which will occur during its evolution, could push Earth to a safe distance. However, Mercury and Venus are likely to be engulfed by the expanded plasma.

Evolution of the Sun and its consequences

During the red giant stage, the Sun will enter the asymptotic giant branch (AGB), accompanied by changes in its core, which will consist of carbon and oxygen, surrounded by shells of helium and hydrogen. The expansion of the star will cause powerful tidal forces, and intense stellar winds will result in mass loss for the Sun. The mass loss rates of L2 Puppis are considered analogous to the future state of the Sun, adding weight to the research findings.

Despite the likelihood of retaining its orbit, life on Earth will be destroyed due to extreme radiation and thermal effects. The radiation resulting from the Sun's evolution will scorch the atmosphere, vaporize the oceans, and melt the planet's surface. Thus, while Earth may avoid being engulfed, its ecological conditions will become uninhabitable.

The Sun may not burn our planet as researchers previously believed.

This discovery raises new questions about the future of Earth and its place in the Solar System in the context of star evolution.

The results of this study are significant for understanding not only Earth's future but also the overall evolution of stars and planetary systems. Research based on modeling L2 Puppis may serve as a foundation for further studies focusing on other stars undergoing similar stages of evolution. It also underscores the need for research aimed at studying conditions that may arise on Earth in the distant future, even if our planet is not engulfed by the Sun. Such discoveries could have a profound impact on astronomy and astrophysics as a whole.

Interestingly, according to new research, the possibility of avoiding being engulfed by the Sun is not the only aspect to consider. Scientists are also exploring how star evolution will affect other planets in the Solar System, particularly their orbits and conditions for life. This discovery could significantly change our understanding of the future not only of our planet but also of neighboring worlds.