Scientists Just Figured Out How Much Time Is Left for Life on Earth
A new study suggests that life on Earth may be sustainable for up to 1.8 billion years, longer than previously estimated. The research focuses on the Sun's increasing luminosity and its long-term impact on the planet's biosphere.
Why it matters
Understanding the long-term habitability of Earth provides context for planetary science and the search for life elsewhere in the universe.
This Is How Much Time Is Left for Life on Earth fotograzia - Getty Images "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story:
Some scientists think that in five billion years, as the Sun ages and transforms into a Red Giant, Earth will be swallowed whole, effectively ending its 10-billion-year-long existence.
However, due to the Sun's increasing luminosity, life on Earth will be gone long before that celestial cataclysm takes place.
A new study predicts that plant life will possibly hold out on Earth more than 1.8 billion years from now—a much higher estimate than past studies have suggested.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in