A new NASA study in collaboration with Toho University in Japan has used supercomputers to analyse the future of our planet – and the results are alarming, writes Daily Galaxy.
Scientists warn: Earth could become uninhabitable much sooner than thought.
How long before our planet becomes uninhabitable? And what does that mean for humanity?
The sun is the main culprit
When people think of the end of the world, many imagine asteroids or nuclear wars.
But new research shows that Earth’s fate depends not on external threats, but on the Sun itself, reports Daily Galaxy.
Over billions of years, the Sun has been gradually increasing its size and light output. Subsequently, it will turn into a red giant, leading to the destruction the most resilient life forms will not be able to survive.
The oceans will evaporate, the atmosphere will become thinner, and life as usual will become impossible.
Climate and humans are speeding up the process
The idea that humanity could exist for billions of years seems comforting, but new predictions suggest otherwise, writes the Daily Galaxy.
NASA warns: rising temperatures, declining oxygen levels and dwindling resources could create a critical tipping point in the coming centuries – long before the Sun becomes a red giant.
Of particular concern is human influence: man-made emissions of greenhouse gases are accelerating natural warming.
One of the most striking discoveries is the decline in oxygen levels.
Studies show that the sun will continue to shine, affecting the temperature and composition of the atmosphere. Already there is an increase calls the last act in Earth’s history – the planet will turn into a barren desert.
Is there a chance for humanity?
NASA notes that going beyond Earth and colonising other planets remains a potential salvation for humanity.
But the question is whether we will have time to establish colonies before climate change and solar radiation make the planet uninhabitable.
There is little time left, and much remains to be learnt about how humanity can live beyond its home planet.