This would be one of the ways our world would come to an end.

In the vast universe that surrounds us, there are cosmic phenomena as amazing as they are incomprehensible to the human mind. One of them is the idea that in the distant future, our own Sun will become the protagonist of a catastrophic event: the absorption of the Earth . This hypothesis, which long seemed to be a topic reserved for science fiction, has gained a new level of credibility in recent years thanks to surprising astronomical discoveries. In this article, we will explore in detail the theory that the Earth will be absorbed by the Sun, when this event could occur, and what implications it would have for our planet and the solar system.

The Theory on the Rise

The idea that the Sun will eventually engulf the Earth is not new in the world of astronomy. However, this theory has gained new momentum thanks to recent deep space observations that have provided compelling evidence that Sun-like stars can devour planets in their solar systems.

The Crucial Observation

Approximately 15 thousand light years ago from our own galaxy, the Milky Way, a cosmic event occurred that left astronomers speechless. Thanks to the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) instrument, scientists were able to witness how a white dwarf star, named ZTF SLRN-2020c, swallowed a Jupiter-sized planet in its solar system.

This surprising find sheds light on the fate of solar systems, including our own. As Kishalay De, a postdoctoral fellow at MIT and lead author of the discovery, mentioned, “Confirmation that Sun-like stars engulf inner planets provides us with a missing link in our understanding of the fate of solar systems, including our own.”

The Future of the Earth

The question we are all asking is whether this grim scenario also applies to Earth. The answer, according to Kishalay De, is yes. He claims that we are seeing the future of our own planet and that if some other civilization were watching us from 10,000 light years away as the Sun engulfs the Earth, they would see the Sun suddenly light up as it expels material and then surrounds itself with dust before returning to its original state.

So when could this apocalyptic event occur? The answer is approximately five billion years from now . It is at that moment that our Sun will become a red giant and finally transform into a white dwarf. In this process, it will consume the inner planets of the Solar System, including Earth.

Perspectives and Uncertainties

So far, we have explored the fascinating scenario in which the Sun becomes a threat to Earth. However, it is important to note that, at the moment, there is no reason to panic. Scientists are not certain about the exact fate of our planet, the third rock from the Sun.

An Uncertain Destiny

According to Lo Vi Todo, “scientists are not certain about the fate of our planet, the third rock from the Sun.” What we do know is that as the Sun ages, it will become larger and brighter. This process, known as the red giant phase, will likely result in the destruction of any life forms existing on Earth at the time.

However, many uncertainties remain regarding the precise details of how this process will unfold and what the ultimate fate of our planet will be. Scientists continue to research and collect data to better understand this intriguing prospect.

Frequent questions

Below, we will answer three frequently asked questions related to the theory that the Earth will be absorbed by the Sun:

When exactly will the absorption of the Earth by the Sun occur?

The absorption of the Earth by the Sun is scheduled to happen in approximately five billion years. At that time, the Sun will become a red giant and then a white dwarf, consuming the inner planets of the Solar System, including Earth.

What implications does this event have for life on Earth?

When the Sun enters the red giant phase, it will become larger and brighter, which will likely result in the destruction of any life on Earth. However, the precise details of how this process will unfold are still the subject of research and debate among scientists.

What can we do to avoid this catastrophic fate?

The absorption of the Earth by the Sun is a natural and cosmic event that is beyond our control. There are no actions we can take to avoid it. Instead of worrying about an event that will occur in the distant future, we should focus on caring for and preserving our planet in the present, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the theory that the Earth will be absorbed by the Sun is an intriguing prospect that has gained credibility thanks to recent astronomical discoveries. Although this catastrophic event is scheduled to occur in about five billion years, there are still many uncertainties about its exact development and its implications for life on Earth. As we contemplate this distant scenario, we must remember the importance of caring for our planet in the present and ensuring that future generations have a liveable world to enjoy.