In 5,000,000,000 (5 billion) years, the Sun will begin to die and transform into a red giant, eventually becoming a white dwarf.
The Sun's Fate in 5 Billion Years: A Detailed Look
Here's a breakdown of what will happen to the Sun based on current scientific understanding, drawing from the provided reference:
The reference stated that scientists predict the Sun is a little less than halfway through its lifetime and will last another 5 billion years or so before it becomes a white dwarf. When it starts to die, the Sun will expand into a red giant star, becoming so large that it will engulf Mercury and Venus, and possibly Earth as well.
Red Giant Phase: The Sun's Expansion
As the Sun exhausts the hydrogen fuel in its core, it will begin to expand dramatically, entering the red giant phase. This expansion will have significant consequences:
- Engulfment of Inner Planets: The Sun will grow so large that it will likely engulf Mercury and Venus. There is a possibility that Earth will also be consumed.
White Dwarf Phase: The Sun's Final Stage
After the red giant phase, the Sun will eventually collapse into a white dwarf.
Timeline of Events
| Timeframe | Event |
|---|---|
| +5 Billion Years | Sun begins to expand into a red giant |
| During Expansion | Mercury and Venus likely to be engulfed |
| During Expansion | Earth may be engulfed |
| After Red Giant | Sun collapses into a white dwarf |
