Death Of Far-Off Solar System Reveals What Will Happen To Earth In 5 Billion Years

Ever wondered what would become of our solar system after the Sun dies? We may be able to help.

Very recently, scientists found a far-off planet which resembles our solar system's Jupiter. The giant planet was orbiting a dead star (a former powerhouse like our Sun). The study's researchers believe that this could help shine some light on what will become of our solar system in 5 billion years.

The remnants of a once lively solar system were discovered 6,500 light years away. The planet-dead star duo is quite exquisite, for the planet resembles the mass of our dear Jupiter.

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Also read: Mercury Space Mission Offers Rare Glimpse Of Least Explored Planet In Solar System

The star is now a white dwarf, and once had the same life-giving qualities as our Sun. Our Sun, too will share the same fate after expanding over time and collapsing onto itself in about 5 billion years. The white dwarf represents the cooling process the dead star undergoes after it has lost most of its chemical properties.

NASA

Such discoveries could help scientists understand the potential scenarios in our solar system once the Sun decides to go berserk.

The most important assessment of this study is that the Jupiter-sized planet survived the death of its central star. The planet in question is situated 2.8 Astronomical Units away from the star (one AU is 148 million kilometres).

What will happen to Earth?

Contrary to common belief about planets, this one defied all odds to survive the massive explosion that culminated in the death of that solar system's sun. The study was published in the journal Nature and and now backs the theory that white dwarfs can have smaller planets from a previous era still locked into orbit.

Also read: Extremely Rare Planet With Three Suns Discovered By Scientists

NASA

What does this mean for Earth, you wonder? To put it quite simply, the Sun will expand and explode when it undergoes transformation as part of its natural life cycle. The nuclear fuel in Sun's core will run out, causing it to self-destruct. Stars are not usually as calm as our Sun, and now the central star in our solar system is entering a period of more activity.

When the Sun wipes out most planets in our solar system (yes, including Earth) in about 5-7 billion years, Jupiter and Saturn may be able to survive based on the conclusions from this study.

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