This planet around a dead star could reveal Earth’s (tragic) future destiny

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Researchers have observed a unique planetary system around a dead star that offers us a glimpse of what Earth could become billions of years from now. If our planet survives the transformation of the Sun into a red giant, it could resemble this exoplanet which orbits a star at the end of its life.

destiny earth
Source: 123rf

About 4,000 light years away, a planetary system intrigues astronomers. At its heart there is a white dwarf, a remnant of a star once similar to our Sun. This discovery offers a fascinating insight into the fate potential of the Earth in approximately 6 billion yearswhen the star which warms us and gives us light has used up its fuel. It will then transform into a red giant before becoming, in turn, a dead star.

Scientists estimate that when the Sun reaches its sunset phase red giantit will extend until engulf Mercury, Venus, and maybe even Earth. However, a escape remains possible : our planet could migrate to a more distant orbit, similar to that of Mars. It is this scenario that seems to be confirmed by the discovery of this planet located twice the Earth-Sun distance, orbiting around a white dwarf.

A planet located 4,000 light years away allows us to imagine the future of Earth

This exoplanet orbits its dead star at a distance wide enough to have escaped its destruction during the red giant phase. She could represent an overview of what the Earth would look like if it survived the expansion of the Sun. This planet has probably suffered intense radiationand its surface is now frozen and sterilea potential scenario for our world.

Also read – This 3D map reveals the best targets for finding extraterrestrial life

If the Earth were to actually survive the transformation of the Sun, it would find itself outside the habitable zone, having become a cold and arid world. However, scientists are not yet certain whether our planet will actually escape its engulfment. This discovery offers a fascinating insight into the possible future of our solar system, while leaving many open questions about the survival of life in this distant era.

Source: Nature

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