Scientists have presented a new version of the end of Earth and the solar system that points to a darker future than expected. The central element of this threat is the Sun, which sustains all life on our planet.

The study showed that the future of the solar system depends on our star’s transformation into a white dwarf, the final stage of its existence when it loses its energy reserves and does not have enough mass to enter the black hole.

Within the scope of this study, it was determined that asteroids and moons between Mars and Jupiter will turn to dust when the Sun reaches this stage of its development. The Earth will also be absorbed by the Sun as it turns into a red giant. According to the predictions of researcher Boris Gensike, this will happen approximately 6 billion years in the future.

The findings are based on 17 years of observation of the movement of space objects near three white dwarfs, during which astronomers observed “transits” – moments when passing objects temporarily darken these stars, reducing their brightness.

These cosmic objects approaching the white dwarf break into pieces under the influence of strong gravity, moving in a chaotic order, unlike those in stable orbits, indicating their inevitable absorption. Studying these fragments allows scientists to study the composition of the original cosmic body. Source