Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 19: Problem 52

Eventually the Sun's luminosity will increase to the point where the Earth can no longer sustain life. Discuss what measures a future civilization might take to preserve itself from such a calamity.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Given current technological progression and scientific understanding, migrating to another planet seems the most feasible. However, it involves significant challenges like identifying a suitable planet, long-duration space travel, and adapting to a new environment. In the longer term, re-engineering Earth’s climate or the Sun might become possible, but these solutions involve immense technical challenges and potential risks. It’s impossible to definitively predict which solution would be best as it largely depends on the technological advances the future holds.

Step by step solution

01

Identify Possible Solutions

List out the potential scientific measures that could be taken. This could include space migration, technologies for Earth cooling or Sun reengineering.
02

Consider the Feasibility of Each Solution

Think about each solution's practicality. For example, consider current technology advancement and possible future developments that would make each solution feasible.
03

Analyze the Implications

Discussion on the implications of each measure. For example, consider the risks associated, time frame needed for each measure and the resources required.
04

Make a Conclusion

A detailed conclusion, specifying which solution seems most feasible and why.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

As a red giant, the Sun's luminosity will be about 2000 times greater than it is now, so the amount of solar energy falling on the Earth will increase to 2000 times its present-day value. Hence, to maintain thermal equilibrium, each square meter of the Earth's surface will have to radiate 2000 times as much energy into space as it does now. Use the Stefan-Boltzmann law to determine what the Earth's surface temperature will be under these conditions. (Hint: The present-day Earth has an average surface temperature of \(14^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\).)

(a) The main-sequence stars Sirius (spectral type A1), Vega (A0), Spica (B1), Fomalhaut (A3), and Regulus (B7) are among the 20 brightest stars in the sky. Explain how you can tell that all these stars are younger than the Sun. (b) The third-brightest star in the sky, although it can be seen only south of \(29^{\circ}\) north latitude, is \(\alpha\) (alpha) Centauri A. It is a main- sequence star of spectral type G2, the same as the Sun. Can you tell from this whether \(\alpha\) Centauri A is younger than the Sun, the same age, or older? Explain your reasoning.

What is a red dwarf? How are thermonuclear reactions in the core of a red dwarf able to consume hydrogen from the star's outer layers?

Calculate the escape speed from (a) the surface of the presentday Sun and (b) the surface of the Sun when it becomes a red giant, with essentially the same mass as today but with a radius that is 100 times larger. (c) Explain how your results show that a red-giant star can lose mass more easily than a main- sequence star.

Why does a star's luminosity decrease after helium fusion begins in its core?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Quantum Physics

Read Explanation

Magnetism

Read Explanation

Solid State Physics

Read Explanation

Geometrical and Physical Optics

Read Explanation

Wave Optics

Read Explanation

Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free