Scientists Fear a Passing Star Could Fling Earth Out of the Sun's Orbit, Into the Frigid Expanse Beyond

Scientists like to refer to our planet as residing in the "Goldilocks zone," where it's neither too hot nor too cold, and just the right distance away from the Sun to support life.
But in the classic "Goldilocks" fairy tale, our eponymous protagonist is forced to flee from the bears' abode she rudely invited herself into, never to return. No more perfect porridges or adequately sized beds.
That could be the case for Earth one day, if we are to exhaust this analogy. Instead of being booted out by unfriendly bears, however, we might be kicked to the curb by a passing star.
Actually, an untimely eviction might be the good scenario. A new study published in the journal Icarus suggests that the gravity of an unmoored star could, like we mentioned, hurl us into the frigid expanse of space — or it could jumble the orbits of the other planets enough to send one of them crashing straight into Earth, delivered, all too belatedly, like a cosmic misericorde.
Morbid as it is to envision our planet's demise, the work illustrates how our solar system, far from a sequestered island, is in tune with the rest of the universe, and that astronomers may be overlooking the influence of distant objects.
"Our simulations indicate that isolated models of the solar system can underestimate the degree of our giant planets' future secular orbital changes by over an order of magnitude," wrote study lead author Nathan Kaib, an astronomer at the Planetary Science Institute, in the paper.
Summarizing his latest findings, Kaib told Science News there's about a five percent chance — over the next five billion years — that a wayward star could come within 100 astronomical units of our solar system, or about 100 times the distance between the Earth and the Sun.
Should that happen, all eyes should be on Mercury. In the researchers' simulations, Mercury's orbit could become so elliptical that it smacks into either the Sun or Venus. That, in turn, could cause Venus or Mars to careen into Earth — that is, if the gravitational havoc doesn't cause our planet to go the way of Icarus, instead.
Barring that, Earth could be knocked in the direction of Jupiter, before the gas giant homers us into the void of interstellar space.
There's a silver lining. "None of these things are probable," Kaib told Science News. There's only 0.2 percent chance of one these grim scenarios befalling Earth, in a generous window stretching billions of years.
"Nonetheless, this probability of Earth orbital change is hundreds of times larger than prior estimates," Kaib emphasizes in the paper.
Kaib previously published research which suggested that the Earth's orbit was altered by a passing star three million years ago, opening the possibility that events like these could have been responsible for historical fluctuations in the Earth's climate.
At the same time, it's a slightly unsettling reminder of just how delicate the architecture of our galactic neck of the woods can be.
"It's a little scary how vulnerable we may be to planetary chaos," Renu Malhotra, a planetary scientist at the University of Arizona in Tucson who was not involved with the study, told Science News.
More on astronomy: Scientists Detect Mysterious Object in Deep Solar System

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Cosmopolitan

6 hours ago

• Cosmopolitan

Your Horoscope for the Week of June 22

The Sun is shining bright and so are we. Yes, there are minor annoyances that the planets are brewing, but the guidance provided in your horoscope will help you overcome them. Mars in Virgo harmonizes with Jupiter in Cancer on June 22, pushing us to achieve greatness. The same day, the Sun in cancer squares Saturn in Aries, teaching us the importance of responsibility. The following day, the Sun shares a fraught aspect with Neptune in Aries, nudging us to embrace our dreams. The Sun forms a conjunction with Jupiter in Cancer, known as 'cazimi.' This aspect enriches both planets with energy and motivation. The New Moon in Cancer occurs on June 25, heightening our emotions and memories. Mercury in Cancer aspects Mars and Uranus in Taurus on June 26, propelling us to shoot our shot when it comes to expressing ourselves. Mercury enters Leo later on in the day, adding rizz and flair to our communication. Venus in Taurus connects with the Nodes of Destiny on the 26th, making us choose a new path in our visions of love. Mercury links up with Saturn and Neptune on June 27 and 28th, bringing a new sense of reality to our minds and vibes. By avoiding confronting a bestie, you're not being honest about your feelings. As a result, it's causing everyone involved to feel as though there is a dark cloud looming over the relationship. Speak up and do so with compassionate words to get your views across, and to bypass creating drama. Being directly in the mix is always fun and exhilarating; however, when the situation turns and the tea is about you, you find yourself wanting to correct it to avoid having a role in this. Ignore by staying in your lane. Don't take part in it from the beginning. You may not be a materialist at heart, but you understand why people prioritize their financial worth. With your bank account hitting a high, you'll want to embrace the joie de vivre lifestyle even though your twin side thinks it's wise to save. Find a middle ground to commit to. Tensions are forming at work because your colleagues might be overstepping. Before you make a big to-do out of the matter and face-off with them, try to discuss the situation calmly with your coworkers during happy hour or at lunch. Chances are the vibe will ultimately change for the better. When your ego is triggered, you can help it stir the pot and ensure everyone you know is on your side. Don't be a meanie. Understand that your decisions could significantly affect others, so it's best to decide how you want to move forward without hurting those you care about. Your friends have a lot of opinions about your current circumstances, particularly someone you've been crushing hard on. Don't let their assertions and POVs get in the way of how you want to go about the connection. Remember that you have free will and know what is best for yourself. Amazing things are happening in your career; however, you're not looking to advance your profession and take on more responsibility. You are looking to stay in the same role with a raise and praise. Once you get both the adoration and cash, you'll be ready to celebrate with your team. You're planning a summertime getaway in lieu of issues at the office. While on vacation, don't let it stress you out. Check-in with work in the morning, while drinking mimosas to see if everything is OK. Spend the rest of the day luxuriating at the beachside like a scorpion should. The wild and passionate romance you've embarked on is at a standstill. The reason for the pause is that you're unsure about your feelings. Although you have cold feet, it doesn't mean you shouldn't spend time with them to figure it out because there is undeniable magic between you both. Well, aren't you the catch of the season? Your social life is blowing up, especially in matters of love. If you're on the apps, you might find that you have a lot of messages to respond to, which will make you feel like the most popular sea-goat in dating land. When pulling into a triangular argument between two pals, don't take sides and align with one over the other. It's essential to be a neutral party when your BFFs are beefing, because when they make up, which will inevitably happen, you'll be the one who winds up being cut loose. It's time to fight for what you want — a new job, 'ship, or even a chaise lounge. Use your voice and take a stand to get what you're most passionate about. With the right amount of vigor, you'll succeed (as usual) in this endeavor and come out on top.

Refinery29

6 hours ago

• Refinery29

Your Horoscope This Week: June 22 To 28

We've made it to the last full week of June, and with it comes the first full week of Cancer Season: a time of emotional reset, intuitive deepening, and sacred softness. The previous week may have felt turbulent due to Jupiter squaring both Saturn and Neptune, and the aftershocks are still rippling through our psyches. But this week, things quiet down just enough for us to reflect, repair, and reset. Cancer energy invites us to come home to ourselves, to slow our pace, listen more intently, and tend to what really matters. We're now entering the dark-of-the-moon phase, as we approach the Cancer New Moon on June 25th at 6:31 a.m. EST. These days leading up to the New Moon may feel heavy or emotionally intense, not because something is wrong, but because our shadows are surfacing, asking to be seen. Especially in the United States which is a Cancer Sun nation (born July 4th), this lunar phase activates collective emotional memory and national reckoning. Whether it's unhealed ancestral wounds, environmental trauma, or systemic injustice, the Cancer New Moon doesn't let us look away, but it does remind us we can choose to care more deeply, and act more intentionally. Cancer's wisdom is this: you can heal what you're willing to feel. So as the New Moon arrives, give yourself permission to rest, to cry, to dream. Tune out the distractions and tune into your inner knowing. What are you craving emotionally? What would help you feel more safe, more seen, more whole? The 10 days following the New Moon are ideal for setting intentions: not just for yourself, but for the world. Whether it's through prayer, protest, meditation, or boundaries, this lunation asks us to practice mutual care with each other and the Earth. With Uranus in the final degrees of Taurus, the Earth is speaking to us loud and clear: give back to what has always given to you. Then, on June 26th at 3:09 p.m. EST, Mercury, the planet of communication, enters fiery Leo, sparking bolder conversations and unapologetic expression. This energy, coming right after the tender Cancer New Moon, gives us the courage to say what needs to be said, whether it's to a loved one, to an audience, or to ourselves. Mercury in Leo is dramatic, yes, but it's also brave. Just be mindful not to speak over others in the process. All zodiac signs will feel more passionate, more ready to stand for something: just remember to stay open to listening, too. The medicine of this week is gentle truth-telling. Tell the truth with tenderness, and let it liberate you. Aries Sun & Rising: Aries, this week asks you to slow down and tend to your inner world. The Cancer Sun is lighting up your home, roots, and emotional foundation, and with the New Moon in this sector on June 25th, it's time to consider what 'home' really means to you. Have you been craving a deeper sense of safety or belonging? Maybe it's time to clear your physical space, set firmer emotional boundaries, or even imagine new chapters of where and how you want to live. The days before the New Moon may stir up old family dynamics or unresolved emotional patterns. Rather than pushing through, pause and nurture what's asking to be healed. This is a beautiful week to write intentions for what kind of family, chosen or biological, you want to build and sustain in the next six months. Once Mercury enters Leo on the 26th, your creativity and passion come roaring back online. This transit activates your sector of fun, romance, and fertility, so don't be surprised if you feel more flirtatious, inspired, or ready to share your talents with the world. Mercury in Leo brings bold ideas and outspoken joy, especially after such an introspective New Moon. You may find yourself making declarations of love, launching a creative project, or simply reminding yourself that life is meant to be enjoyed. Just make sure you're not seeking external validation too heavily — the real gold comes when your joy radiates from within. This week, balancing your inner peace with expressive passion is your magic key. Taurus Sun & Rising: Taurus, the Cancer Sun is activating your sector of communication, curiosity, and learning, and the Cancer New Moon on June 25th is here to help you refine your inner and outer voice. The days leading up to the New Moon may feel foggy or introverted — that's the dark-of-the-moon phase working its shadow magic. Use this time to reflect on what kinds of conversations you're no longer interested in having, and which messages or ideas you want to give more energy to moving forward. After the New Moon strikes, you'll feel clearer and more intentional. This is a great week to begin journaling again, pitch an idea you've been sitting on, or reconnect with your writing practice in a more soulful and structured way. Once Mercury enters Leo on the 26th, your attention shifts to home and emotional security. This part of your chart rules your relationship with comfort, family, and ancestry, and Mercury here may bring both powerful realizations and important conversations with loved ones. You might feel called to express what you need to feel safe, whether it's physical space, emotional honesty, or simply a reset in your routine. Leo energy adds fire and flair to your inner life, so don't be surprised if you're suddenly inspired to redecorate your home or initiate a vulnerable but healing family dialogue. Just be mindful not to bulldoze others with your perspective… the loudest voice isn't always the most grounded. Speak from the heart, not from the ego. Gemini Sun & Rising: Gemini, the Cancer Sun is activating your sector of income, values, and self-worth, making this the perfect time to recenter your relationship with money and stability. The Cancer New Moon on the 25th helps you gently but powerfully rewrite your money story. Before the new moon strikes, the dark-of-the-moon phase could bring up insecurities about how you've been managing your finances or your sense of value in relationships and career. Use this time to pause, reflect, and reset. Post-new moon, you'll feel energized to cultivate sustainable habits, whether it's finally setting that budget, asking for the rate you deserve, or launching a product or offer aligned with your gifts. Slow and steady wins this financial race. Once Mercury enters Leo on the 26th, your sector of communication lights up with flair and boldness. You may find yourself speaking your mind with greater conviction — and charm. Whether you're promoting a new idea, defending a cause, or simply flirting your way through summer, your words will have magnetism. Just make sure your need to be understood doesn't overshadow your ability to listen. Mercury in Leo wants the mic, but true confidence is quiet. Share your truth, and be just as curious about others' truths too. Cancer, this is your week to come home to yourself. The Sun is now in your sign, and the Cancer New Moon on June 25th is your cosmic rebirth moment. In the days leading up to it, the shadows of self-doubt or emotional overwhelm might surface, especially if you've been overextending yourself. But this is just the cocoon phase before your next butterfly moment. New moons are cosmic reset buttons, and this one is urging you to prioritize rest, nourishment, and radical self-love. Cancel that call. Book the massage. Cry if you need to. You're shedding skins and remembering your power. The second half of 2025 will mirror how intentionally you treat yourself now. Once Mercury enters Leo on the 26th, your attention may shift toward money and security. You might suddenly feel more motivated to monetize your ideas, share your talents more boldly, or raise your rates. Mercury in Leo in your sector of income wants you to think big and shine bright. You don't have to play it small to stay safe. Just be sure your spending matches your intentions, because it's easy to impulse splurge under this influence. Let confidence, not comparison, guide your financial choices. Leo Sun & Rising: Leo, the Cancer Sun is now in your spirituality and healing sector, and the Cancer New Moon on the 25th is encouraging you to slow all the way down and tend to your inner world. This is your annual 'soul bath', a time to take inventory of what you've been suppressing or avoiding emotionally. The days leading up to the new moon may feel raw, dreamy, and a little nostalgic. Let it all flow. You don't need to solve everything; you just need to feel it. Once the new moon hits, give yourself permission to start a new emotional cycle, one where peace, softness, and divine trust take the lead. Prioritize alone time and listen to the whispers of your spirit. Then, it's showtime: Mercury enters your sign on the 26th (for an extended stay due to Mercury's upcoming retrograde), and your voice becomes even more magnetic. This is your cue to speak your truth, like fellow Leo Doechii, who recently took the mic at the BET Awards to call out oppression and uplift collective liberation. You may feel inspired to do the same in your way, whether it's through art, conversation, or activism. Your throat chakra is wide open now, so don't hold back. Just make sure your fire is guided by purpose, not ego. When Leo speaks with heart, the world listens. Virgo Sun & Rising: Virgo, Cancer Season soothes your community and future vision sector, and the New Moon in Cancer on June 25th invites you to reimagine what kind of support system and collaborative spaces you want to build. In the days leading up to the new moon, you may feel more introverted or emotionally reflective, even if you're usually the one checking in on others. Let yourself retreat and pour into your own cup. Once the new moon strikes, it's time to set intentions around community care, social activism, digital presence, and long-term goals. Who are you becoming, and who do you want beside you as you evolve? Choose your collaborators with intention. When Mercury enters Leo on the 26th, your spiritual and subconscious realm lights up until September. This is a transit that can bring clarity through journaling, dreams, and solitude. You may feel more comfortable being vulnerable and expressing what's usually hidden — like grief, fear, or longing. Mercury in Leo says it's safe to let your healing be seen, and even celebrated. You're allowed to ask for help and still be strong. This is a powerful week to begin therapy, confide in a trusted friend, or start a reflective creative project. Honor your progress, and trust that your vulnerability is your brilliance. Libra Sun & Rising: Libra, the Sun's presence in Cancer activates your career and public reputation zone, and the Cancer New Moon on June 25th is your annual invitation to reset your relationship with ambition. Before the new moon, you may feel emotional or uncertain about your path — and that's okay. You're releasing past definitions of success that no longer resonate. The new moon encourages you to clarify what success feels like to you now, not what the world told you to want. This is a potent week to start fresh with a new work project, launch a brand, or simply affirm your worth without needing external validation. You've already earned your seat at the table. Then on the 26th, Mercury enters Leo, lighting up your friendship and community zone. Your inbox might light up, invitations may roll in, and your voice will carry extra influence in your group chats and social platforms. This is a great time to pitch ideas, host events, or share a message with the collective. Just be mindful not to overtalk or overshare, as Mercury in Leo can get dramatic. Lead with sincerity, and others will naturally gravitate toward your vibe. You're becoming a louder (and prouder) version of your future self. Scorpio, Cancer Season is now activating your expansion, travel, and higher learning sector, and the Cancer New Moon on June 25th is a beautiful portal for planting new seeds when it comes to your education, travel or publishing goals, or spiritual growth. The days before the new moon might feel heavy or filled with questions about the state of the world — and your place in it. Trust that those feelings are preparing you to shed outdated philosophies and limiting beliefs. This is a wonderful week to plan a future trip, take a leap with a big idea, or apply to something that's been calling your name. Let faith and curiosity lead. When Mercury enters Leo on June 26th, it activates your career and legacy sector, giving you the green light to speak up and be seen. If you've been hesitant about putting yourself out there, whether online or IRL, this is your cosmic push to take the stage. You're done dimming your shine. Mercury in Leo helps you craft your message with flair; just make sure it's rooted in authenticity. You don't have to perform to be respected. Show up as you are, and you'll attract the opportunities that match your truth. Sagittarius Sun & Rising: Sagittarius, Cancer Season is here to help you deepen intimacy and heal emotionally. The New Moon in Cancer on June 25th activates your soulmate, merging, and transformation sector, making this one of the most potent times of the year to release fear, face emotional truths, and open yourself to deeper love. In the days leading up to the new moon, you might feel extra sensitive… let it all flow. It's your soul shedding armor that's no longer needed. Set intentions around the type of intimacy, sexual healing, and soul-merging partnerships you want to attract or cultivate these next six months. And don't forget: merging with someone else doesn't mean losing yourself. When Mercury enters your fellow Fire sign of Leo on June 26th, it lights up your expansion and travel zone. This is your sign to speak more boldly about your beliefs, write the book, teach the course, or book the flight. You'll feel like telling your story with more fire — and people will listen. Mercury in Leo boosts your confidence, but just make sure you're also listening. The best kind of leadership now is reciprocal and heart-centered. Share what lights you up and be open to perspectives that challenge and inspire your evolution. Capricorn, Cancer Season shines a light on your partnership and relationship zone, and the Cancer New Moon on June 25th offers you a sweet reset in how you connect with others. Before the new moon, you may feel uncertain or nostalgic about past dynamics… this is natural. Use this introspective time to examine what you're truly craving in your connections. Once the new moon hits, you'll feel ready to plant new seeds, whether it's reigniting intimacy in your current relationship or calling in a new one rooted in safety and emotional availability. Let your vulnerability lead the way. Then, on June 26th, Mercury enters Leo, activating your intimacy and transformation sector. Conversations around sex, trust, shared finances, and emotional truths may surface — and that's a good thing. Mercury in Leo wants you to be honest about your needs, even the ones you've felt were 'too much' in the past. This is also a powerful time for diving into a new creative project that feels spiritually aligned or sensually charged. What matters most now is that you're not settling: you're owning your power and letting others rise to meet it. Aquarius Sun & Rising: Aquarius, welcome to your annual wellness and routine reboot. The Cancer New Moon on June 25th highlights your health, work, and lifestyle sector, encouraging you to make sustainable changes that bring more flow and gentleness into your day-to-day life. Before the new moon, you may notice where you've been overextending or running on empty. This is your cue to rest. Post-new moon, take small but intentional steps: revamp your sleep habits, drink more water, reorganize your workspace, or say no to draining obligations. It's the little shifts that change your life the most now. When Mercury enters Leo on June 26th, your partnership sector lights up. This is a great week to speak your truth in relationships, both romantic and platonic, and be clear about your expectations and desires. Mercury in Leo can bring bold declarations of love or new levels of clarity in your connections. It's not about drama, though. It's about taking up space with your voice and inviting others to meet you in your fullness. You're ready to co-create something powerful… just be willing to listen as much as you speak. Pisces, the main energy of this week is the Cancer New Moon on June 25th, which opens a dreamy, nurturing portal in your creativity, joy, and true love zone. The days leading up to the new moon may feel emotional or creatively blocked, but that's just a sign that your soul is prepping for a soft reset. Use this lunation to set intentions around pleasure, romance, play, and creative expression. Let yourself feel giddy about life again. Whether you want to start a new relationship, a new art piece, or a new baby (literally or metaphorically), the cosmos say: it's time. Then on June 26th, Mercury, the planet of communication, enters Leo, activating your wellness and work sector. You'll start to feel more focused on optimizing your daily rituals and communicating your needs more effectively. This is a great time to advocate for yourself at work, rework your schedule to reflect your natural energy cycles, or get more vocal about the support you need. Just be mindful not to take on too much at once… Mercury in Leo can make you feel invincible, but pacing yourself will serve you better in the long run. Your power this week is in doing less, but with more intention.

Forbes

8 hours ago

• Forbes

When And Where To See June's Stargazing Highlight On Monday

A crescent Moon with the Pleiades below-right. If you're up early on Monday, June 23, you'll be rewarded with one of the most elegant sights the sky has to offer this month — a slender crescent moon close to a sparkling cluster of stars called the Pleiades. Here's everything you need to know about when and where to see them. Where And When To Look This is a celestial encounter that lacks convenience. To see it, you'll need to head outside about an hour before sunrise and look toward the east-northeast horizon. As the sky lightens into dawn, you'll see a slender 6%-illuminated waning crescent moon. Just above it will be the Pleiades — also known as the Seven Sisters or Messier 45 — barely half a degree away. That's less than the width of an outstretched little finger held against the sky. You'll also see Venus to the right of the pair, shining brilliantly at magnitude -4.1. Monday, June 23: Crescent Moon And The Pleiades What You'll See The moon won't be particularly easy to see at first, thanks to only a slither of it being lit by the sun — you may need binoculars to spot it. If you need help, first find Venus, then look to its lower-left, slightly closer to the horizon. Once you do find it, you may notice its darkened night side softly illuminated by Earthshine — sunlight reflecting off our planet's oceans, clouds and ice caps. Just above it and to the right, the Pleiades will sparkle like glitter, with six or seven stars visible to the naked eye (and many more through binoculars). While the moon is about 238,000 miles away and Venus is about 150 times farther, the stars of the Pleiades lie roughly 444 light-years from Earth. What you won't see is Uranus. Despite it being about halfway between the moon and Venus, it's far too small to see with anything other than a large telescope. Earthshine on the crescent moon. (Photo by Frederic Larson/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) Observing Tips Most people immediately think of a telescope when they think about astronomy. It's not necessary for this event. You'll see much more just by using your naked eyes. However, a pair of binoculars is always useful when stargazing, allowing you to zoom in on the Pleiades and on the Earthshine-lit lunar surface. Choose an observing location with a clear, unobstructed view to the eastern horizon, if possible, away from city lights — though light pollution makes zero difference when observing the planets and the moon. What's Next In The Night Sky The next standout event comes on June 25 with the arrival of a new moon — a prime opportunity to see the Milky Way in all its summer glory. And don't miss June 26, when a young crescent moon will join Mercury in the western post-sunset sky. For exact timings, use a sunrise and sunset calculator for where you are, Stellarium Web for a sky chart and Night Sky Tonight: Visible Planets at Your Location for positions and rise/set times for planets. Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.