National Geographic News, Reporting Your World Daily

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Photo: Red Giant Sun May Not Destroy Earth


Email to a Friend	<< Back to Full Story

The planet V391 Pegasi b has been pushed out to twice its original orbit as its host star reaches the maximum expansion of its red giant phase, as seen in this artist's conception.

The planet is the first known inner body to survive its star becoming a red giant, scientists say—offering hope that Earth might not be destroyed when the sun expands in billions of years.

Image by Mark Garlick © HELAS