A new study published in Icarus warns of a rare but possible cosmic event. Scientists say a wandering star passing too close to our solar system could destabilize planetary orbits. In extreme cases, Earth might be thrown out into deep space or crash into the Sun. The threat isn’t immediate, but the long-term risk exists. Researchers used thousands of simulations to reach this conclusion.

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• Earth may one day be flung out of the solar system
• Cause: wandering star passing within 10,000 AU
• Could disturb Oort Cloud, triggering inner solar ripple
• Mercury’s unstable orbit may set off chain reaction
• Earth might fall into Sun or become rogue planet
• Odds for Earth: 0.2–0.3% over next 5 billion years
• Mercury destabilisation risk: up to 80%
• Star Gliese 710 to pass near in 1.3 million years
• Event not likely soon, but risk is real
• Study helps refine planetary and cosmic predictions