The cosmos is in perpetual motion. Though evidence of wandering black holes and rogue planets has surfaced, recent studies indicate that a roaming star might exist in the vastness. Regrettably, if it were to approach our solar system too closely, it could very well propel our planet toward the sun. It might even expel Earth from the solar system entirely.
Presently, the likelihood of this occurring isn’t precisely negligible, but it isn’t particularly high either. Nevertheless, it is a topic that scientists have been investigating. As per a fresh study published in the journal Icarus, if a star were to drift by our solar system, the potential chaos it could unleash could be far greater than previously anticipated.
Among the most catastrophic outcomes that could arise include the complete expulsion of Earth from the solar system or even its reeling back into the Sun. Naturally, these are extreme scenarios, and this doesn’t imply that such events are certain to happen. However, we are well aware that the cosmos can be quite unpredictable. This is precisely why NASA and various organizations have been diligently developing strategies for asteroid defense.
The turmoil that a wandering star could instigate is largely due to the extra gravitational force it would exert in the vicinity. This could lead to instability amongst several planets in our system. Indeed, researchers contend that over the course of several billion years, passing stars may destabilize the orbits of our outer planets. Should that occur, it would likely impact all the planets in our solar system.
Some studies have even suggested that the potential presence of an additional planet situated between Mars and Jupiter might have disrupted Earth’s orbit, had it ever been real.
This concern has been a topic of extensive discussion over the years, with some experts pointing out that even a minor alteration in Jupiter’s orbit could have strange repercussions for Earth’s trajectory. Given that our planet is the sole one discovered to reside within the “habitable zone” of a star, any variation in orbit could have monumental implications for humanity’s future. Fortunately, we will likely detect any approaching star before it gets close enough to forcefully remove Earth from its orbit.
