Kathrine Frich
Scientists have long tried to understand how long our planet can sustain life.
From changes in solar activity to shifts in climate and atmosphere, the study of Earth’s future often reveals as much about the present as it does about the distant end.
Computer simulation
Researchers using a NASA supercomputer have modeled Earth’s long-term evolution and projected that the planet could become uninhabitable in roughly one billion years.
The result comes from more than 400,000 separate simulations examining how the Sun’s energy output and the planet’s orbit may interact over immense periods of time.
According to NASA scientists, Earth’s fate remains closely tied to the Sun’s natural life cycle.
As the star ages, its radiation output is expected to increase, slowly altering conditions on the surface and in the atmosphere.
Effects of solar change
The model suggests that long before the Sun reaches its final stages, rising temperatures and reduced oxygen levels will make Earth unsuitable for complex life.
Although the predicted timeline, around the year 1,000,002,021, is far beyond human concern, researchers note that smaller changes, such as climate warming and atmospheric shifts, are already affecting the planet today.
Dr. Edward Bryant of University College London explained that the process is similar to how the Moon affects tides on Earth.
“As the star evolves and expands, gravitational interactions become stronger, eventually pulling the planet closer,” he said.
The orbit could shrink over time until Earth either breaks apart or falls into the Sun.
The long view
Astronomers from the University of Warwick and NASA emphasize that such models are designed to explore theoretical extremes rather than predict imminent danger.
Still, they say the findings highlight the importance of studying planetary stability and energy balance, factors that determine how long a planet can support life.
For now, scientists agree that the immediate risks to Earth come from human activity, not from solar collapse.
Warming, pollution, and habitat loss continue to shape the planet’s near future. As one researcher summarized,
“The Sun may eventually end life on Earth, but our own actions will decide how livable it remains until then.”
Sources: NASA, University College London, University of Warwick, LADbible
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
