Gransnet forums

Science/nature/environment

Page 1 of 1
Flip | Customise

Can planets exist forever or do they have a lifespan?

(7 Posts)
Add comment | Report
astro0 Fri 02-Jan-26 22:15:29

Assuming that a rocky planet or a gas giant doesn't get swallowed by a red giant or torn apart by a supermassive black hole can they just exist forever until the heat death of the universe? How would Jupiter look like let's say 10^100 years from now assuming it manages to survive the black hole era?

Add comment | Report
Allira Fri 02-Jan-26 22:54:29

Don't worry.

In about five billion years time, the Sun will become a red giant and swallow us up before it starts to affect Jupiter.

Add comment | Report
Maremia Sat 03-Jan-26 09:05:37

Well, that was resolved very speedily.

Add comment | Report
Allira Sat 03-Jan-26 10:23:32

😁

Add comment | Report
Belardo Tue 03-Feb-26 12:03:19

As I understand it, the Universe is in a constant state of change. Whole galaxies are born and die in a mere twinkling of cosmic time.

So, no. I wouldn't expect any planet to exist forever in its current form, but to ultimately break down (or be destroyed by some event) and become part of another entity within the Universe.
As for Jupiter in the next 10-100 years? It will probably be quite similar to how it has been for however many billions of years it has existed in its current form.

Add comment | Report
BettyBrown01 Fri 01-May-26 13:28:02

Does anyone believe that life on other planets can exist randomly if left untouched?shock

Let me know as my grandson is very interested and i’m new to this phone!

Add comment | Report
keepingquiet Fri 01-May-26 13:50:15

Life may or not exist elsewhere- 'but not, Jim, life as we know it!'

My belief is that we are a unique and beautiful planet with such a variety of life that I'm no longer interested in what might or might not be on other planets...
we need to appreciate the one that we've got instead of pondering on what is trillions of light years away...

Page 1 of 1
Flip | Customise