The Sun as a Red Giant in the Far Future
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
The Sun as a Red Giant in the Far Future
Stars do not last forever. After around 10 billion years, a star like the Sun will start to run low on the supply of hydrogen in its core, which it uses to form helium and keep shining. Once that happens, the core - losing its outward pressure source - will shrink under its own gravity, while the outer layers are pushed out. As its surface expands, its becomes cooler and redder but much more luminous, forming what astronomers call a red giant. This image depicts a red giant in a hypothetical planetary system. It has reached out almost to the orbit of its innermost planets, and caused perturbations in their orbits which have led to two of them colliding
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9283903
© MARK GARLICK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Collision Exoplanets Extrasolar Impact Red Giant Solar System Star
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from Science Photo Library showcases the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a star's evolution into a red giant. Stars, including our Sun, have a finite lifespan and after approximately 10 billion years, they begin to deplete their hydrogen fuel reserves. As this occurs, the core of the star contracts due to gravity while its outer layers expand outward. The result is a magnificent celestial spectacle known as a red giant. In this mesmerizing illustration set in a hypothetical planetary system, we witness the transformation of our own Sun into a majestic red giant. Its surface has expanded so dramatically that it now extends nearly to the orbit of its innermost planets. This expansion causes significant disturbances in these planets' orbits, leading to an impactful collision between two of them. The image not only captures the breathtaking beauty and power of this stellar metamorphosis but also serves as a reminder that nothing lasts forever in the vastness of space. It offers us an opportunity to contemplate both the impermanence and grandeur inherent in cosmic processes. Science Photo Library continues to amaze with their exceptional artwork depicting scientific concepts like exoplanets and stars. This particular piece invites us on an imaginative journey through time and space while showcasing their expertise in creating visually stunning representations based on scientific knowledge.
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