Impending Catastrophe: The Devastating Consequences of a Rogue Star's Proximity to Earth
A new study explores the potential consequences of a rogue star coming within 100 astronomical units (AU) of our Sun. While the chances of such an event are low, simulations show that there is a high probability that all eight planets in our Solar System would survive, with over 95% chance of no planet being lost. However, the simulations also reveal a range of outcomes, including potential collisions between planets or with the Sun, ejections of certain planets, and disruptions to planetary orbits. The study highlights that Earth's long-term habitability could be affected if its orbit is changed, potentially leading to a warmer or cooler climate. Overall, the study suggests that while the odds of a 100 AU stellar flyby are extremely small, the current stability of our Solar System is likely to remain unchanged.
