Earth's Fate Hangs in the Balance as a Rogue Star Approaches.

A new study explores the potential consequences if a rogue star were to come within 100 astronomical units (AU) of our Sun. While the chances of such an event are low, simulations show that there is a greater than 95% chance that all eight planets in our Solar System would survive. However, their orbits would be significantly disrupted, with potential outcomes ranging from collisions between planets to ejections into the Oort Cloud. The study also considers the possibility of Earth being captured by the passing star or ending up in the Oort Cloud, but emphasizes that the odds of these scenarios are extremely small. Overall, the research suggests that despite the diversity of potential outcomes, the current stability of our Solar System is likely to remain unchanged.