How has the chemical composition of the core of the Sun changed in the past 4.5 billion years? Are earthlings (if any) likely to freeze in another 4-5 billion years? Explain

What will be an ideal response?


The core of the Sun had an initial composition of 90% hydrogen and 9% helium. As hydrogen fusion has continued over the past 4.5 billion years the amount of helium produced has steadily increased. The center of the core now has about 85% helium and very little hydrogen. As a main sequence star the Sun will continue to brighten slowly. In another 4-5 billion years the Sun will have a core dominated by helium. This will force it to change into a red giant. Therefore, the Sun will only continue to brighten over time and the Earth will only get hotter, never colder.

Physics & Space Science

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