Can the Solar System's Chaos Lead to Earth's Sudden Demise?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of predicting the location of the planets in 1 million years and the likelihood of the Earth being kicked out of orbit before the Sun goes nova. It is mentioned that there are computer programs that can predict the location of the planets, but the accuracy of the Earth's position may vary due to small errors. It is also noted that there has been research on the stability of the solar system and it is unlikely for the Earth to be kicked out of orbit in such a short time frame.
  • #1
wolram
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Can anyone predict where the planets will be in 1 million years time, could the Earth be kicked out of orbit
a far quicker way to die than waiting for the sun to go nova?
 
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  • #2
wolram said:
Can anyone predict where the planets will be in 1 million years time, could the Earth be kicked out of orbit
a far quicker way to die than waiting for the sun to go nova?

Why do you think like that ?

Sun will die about 4.5 billion years later so I don't think anything will happen.
 
  • #3
wolram said:
Can anyone predict where the planets will be in 1 million years time

yes, there are computer programs that can do that
Arman777 said:
Why do you think like that ?

Sun will die about 4.5 billion years later so I don't think anything will happen.

indeed

in the full lifetime of the Sun and the rest of the solar system, a million years is less than a tick of the second hand of the time clock
 
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  • #4
Size, shape and orientation of the orbit will probably be pretty accurate after 1 million years. Position on this orbit will not. That's because a small error in semi-major axis will lead to a small error in period, which will lead to a small error in position. Year after year, this error builds.
 
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  • #5
  • #6
"Kicked out of orbit" is incredibly unlikely, especially ithing only a million years. Note that we have gone 4000x as long since the Late Heavy Bombardment.
 
  • #7
Thank you for all the replies, I will have to spend some time looking at these papers.
 

1. What is the chaos of the solar system?

The chaos of the solar system refers to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our solar system, including the movements and interactions of planets, moons, comets, and other celestial bodies.

2. How does chaos impact the stability of the solar system?

Chaos can have both positive and negative impacts on the stability of the solar system. On one hand, chaotic interactions between celestial bodies can lead to the formation of new planets and other structures. On the other hand, chaos can also disrupt the orbits of planets and cause collisions or ejections from the solar system.

3. What causes chaos in the solar system?

There are several factors that contribute to chaos in the solar system, including the gravitational pull of large planets, the influence of passing comets or asteroids, and the effects of solar wind and radiation on smaller bodies.

4. Can we predict chaotic events in the solar system?

While we can make predictions and models of the solar system, chaos makes it difficult to accurately predict specific events. However, scientists are constantly studying and observing the solar system to better understand its patterns and potential chaotic events.

5. How does chaos in the solar system impact life on Earth?

The chaos of the solar system has played a crucial role in the formation and evolution of our planet, and continues to affect Earth through phenomena such as climate change and asteroid impacts. Understanding chaos in the solar system is important for predicting and preparing for potential threats to life on Earth.

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