Archive · 19 Jun 2025
Study: Passing Stars Could Disrupt Earth's Orbit
Scientists have been using computer simulations to study how the orbits of planets, including Earth, could be affected by stars passing close by.
Their models suggest our solar system might not be as stable as once thought.
There is a small chance a star could disrupt the orbits of the planets, with about a 0.2% chance of Earth colliding with something in the very distant future.
Although this sounds alarming, scientists stress that such an event is very unlikely, and there's no need to worry about it happening anytime soon.
In the far future, the sun will expand and engulf Earth, long before this would be a concern.
Study examines how passing stars could affect the orbits of planets in our solar system.
Computer simulations suggest the solar system's stability may be less than previously thought.
The study indicates a small (0.2%) chance of a collision with Earth from a passing star.
Scientists emphasize that a collision is highly improbable and there is no immediate cause for concern.
The study suggests that our solar system's stability might be at risk, though the Sun will engulf Earth in the far future.
- Who
- Nathan Kaib and Sean Raymond conducted the research.
- What
- Study examines the effect of passing stars on the stability of the solar system.
- When
- The study was recently published.
- Where
- The study focuses on our solar system.
- Why
- To determine how passing stars affect the orbits of planets in our solar system.
- Study Authors
- Nathan Kaib and Sean Raymond
- Published In
- Icarus journal
- Primary Concern
- Effect of passing stars on planetary orbits
- Earth Collision Probability
- 0.2%