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"Red Giants: How Aging Stars Devour Planets and Threaten Earth's Future"
A new study reveals that as stars like the Sun become red giants, they can engulf nearby planets such as Mercury and Venus, raising uncertainty about Earths ultimate fate.
- Data from NASAs TESS mission indicates that red giants can consume nearby planets within a span of a few hundred thousand years, showcasing the dramatic evolution of aging stars.
- In approximately 5 billion years, scientists predict the Sun will engulf Mercury and Venus, but the fate of Earth remains uncertain as the Sun continues to age.
- The transformation of stars into red giants involves significant changes in their composition, including the expansion of hydrogen layers, which contributes to their capacity to devour surrounding planets.
Por Qué Es Relevante
Understanding the lifecycle of stars such as the Sun and their potential to consume planets like Mercury and Venus is crucial for predicting the long-term habitability of Earth. This research highlights the dynamic nature of our solar system and emphasizes the need for ongoing astronomical studies.