Passing Stars Could Have a Significant Impact on the Future of Our Solar System

Passing Stars Could Have a Significant Impact on the Future of our Solar System

Studies of the Solar System's dynamics generally treat it in isolation and do not consider the influence a passing star could have on the orbits of the planets over time. According to a recent study by a team of astronomers, stars passing close to the Solar System could result in the loss of planets over the next 5 billion years.

Earth could be flung out of orbit by a passing star

Simulations show that the stars’ tug could send Mercury, Venus or Mars crashing into Earth — or let Jupiter eject our world from the solar system.

The latest research by American and French astronomers points out that stars passing through the solar system may disrupt the orbits of planets, causing the Earth to face the risk of falling into the sun, being destroyed, or even being kicked out of the solar system within the next 5 billion years.

Bad news, Earthlings. Computer simulations of the future of the solar system reveal a new risk that faces us all: the gravitational tug of a passing star could either slam another planet on Earth, or throw our planet into the sun or away from it, where all the inhabitants freeze. Blame Mercury. [...]

The Earth's orbit could be violated by a passing star

The solar system's future is in danger, as computer simulations suggest that a passing star could force another planet to collide with Earth or...