Study Indicates Earth Might Endure Sun's Demise, but Humanity's Fate is Grim.

WHO:

FOX Weather - Researchers from Astronomy and Astrophysics conducted the study.

Space.com - The study discusses the fate of Earth in relation to the Sun's demise.

WHAT:

FOX Weather - The study suggests that Earth may escape being swallowed by the Sun when it becomes a red giant.

FOX Weather - The study indicates that the fate of Earth depends on two scenarios related to the Sun's gravitational tidal interactions and mass-loss rates.

FOX Weather - "Low AGB mass-loss rates lead to engulfment, while high rates allow Earth to survive," according to the study.

Space.com - The study concludes that both scenarios ultimately seal the demise of humanity.

WHERE:

FOX Weather - The study references a nearby dying star called L2 Pup, which is used for comparison to our Sun.

WHEN:

FOX Weather - The Sun is expected to run out of fuel and expand into a red giant in approximately 5 billion years.

WHY:

FOX Weather - The study aims to understand the potential outcomes for Earth as the Sun transitions into its final stages of life.

HOW:

FOX Weather - Researchers observed L2 Pup with powerful telescopes to measure the mass it is shedding.

FOX Weather - The data from L2 Pup was used to recalculate Earth's chances of survival during the Sun's red giant phase.

(UPDATED July 9, 2026 01:32 UTC)

A new study from researchers at Astronomy and Astrophysics suggests that Earth may escape being swallowed by the Sun when it becomes a red giant in about 5 billion years, depending on the Sun's gravitational tidal interactions and mass-loss rates. The study indicates that low mass-loss rates could lead to engulfment, while high rates would allow Earth to survive, ultimately sealing the fate of humanity regardless of the outcome. To reach these conclusions, scientists observed a nearby dying star called L2 Pup with powerful telescopes to measure the mass it is shedding, using that data to reassess Earth's chances during the Sun's final stages.