How large might a Sun-like star swell during expansion, potentially affecting neighboring planets?
Answer
Large enough to engulf Mercury, Venus, and possibly Earth
The physical transformation experienced by a star similar to our Sun when it evolves into a Red Giant involves an astonishing increase in volume. Calculations based on stellar models indicate that this expansion can be so extensive that the star's outer layers move far past the orbit of Mercury and Venus, reaching out to potentially encompass the orbital path of Earth. This immense physical growth is a direct consequence of the energy shift from core fusion to shell burning outside the inert helium center.
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