And how could it happen?
In Liu Cixin's short story"The Wandering Earth " , Cixin portrays a scenario in which the planet's leaders agree to propel Earth out of the solar system to escape an imminent solar flare that is expected to decimate all of the terrestrial planets.
However, as Ceriotti explained,"unlikely" does not mean it's"impossible," and suggested a way it could theoretically be done. "The planets, as they exist right now, are in stable orbits around the Sun. However, if the Sun were to have a close encounter with another star, then the gravitational interactions of these bodies could disturb these orbits, and potentially cause Earth to be ejected from the solar system," Davis told Live Science in an email.
While it's improbable that external forces will force Earth out of the solar system any time soon, could humanity build machinery capable of shifting the planet to such a degree that it ends up being ejected? "Earth would fly into interstellar space until captured or swallowed by another star or a black hole," Ceriotti said, adding that were Earth to leave the solar system, it would probably result in the decimation of much — if not all — of the planet's life.
"In this scenario, the further Earth moved away from the Sun, the lower its temperature would become. It would eventually freeze over entirely. The only natural source of heat left would be the decay of radioactive elements in the Earth's crust left over from the formation of the solar system," Davis said.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Could a solar storm ever destroy Earth?What happens when Earth takes a direct hit from a solar flare — and could a strong enough one ever destroy life on our planet as we know it?
Leer más »
James Webb Space Telescope detects carbon dioxide in a distant planet's atmosphere | EngadgetJames Webb Space Telescope detects carbon dioxide in a distant planet's atmosphere
Leer más »
The James Webb telescope spotted CO2 in an exoplanet’s atmosphereThe first definitive detection of the gas on a world in another solar system paves the way for detections in planets that are more Earthlike.
Leer más »
NASA found a 'mini-moon' orbiting an asteroid in the outer solar systemNASA has discovered a mini-moon orbiting an asteroid found on the outer edge of our solar system using its Lucy spacecraft.
Leer más »
Powerful solar flare lashes Earth, causes radio blackout across Europe and AfricaAuroras have been swirling through the skies already this week as the sun awakens from slumber.
Leer más »
Sailing is like religion in Annapolis. Black kids had been locked out.Development and tourism have left the waterfront areas of Maryland's capital — once open to all — Whiter, wealthier and less accessible than ever.
Leer más »