The Earth is projected to end approximately four billion years from now.
Here's a breakdown of the factors leading to this conclusion:
-
Runaway Greenhouse Effect: The primary cause will be a runaway greenhouse effect. As the sun continues to age and increase in luminosity, Earth's surface temperature will rise. This will trigger a catastrophic cycle.
-
Increased Surface Temperature: The increasing solar luminosity will lead to a significant increase in Earth's surface temperature.
-
Venus-like Conditions: The Earth will eventually resemble present-day Venus, characterized by extremely high temperatures and a dense, toxic atmosphere.
-
Melting Surface: Ultimately, the Earth's surface will become hot enough to melt.
-
Extinction of All Life: Long before the planet's surface melts, these extreme conditions will make it impossible for any life to survive on Earth.
In summary, although the Earth itself (as a planetary body) will likely exist for much longer, the conditions suitable for life will cease to exist approximately four billion years in the future due to a runaway greenhouse effect triggered by the aging sun.
