A passing star could fling Earth out of orbit.

The article discusses the potential risks posed to Earth and other planets in the solar system due to the gravitational influence of passing stars. Computer simulations by astronomers Nathan Kaib and Sean Raymond indicate that the erratic orbit of Mercury, exacerbated by these stellar encounters, could lead to catastrophic events, such as collisions with the sun or other planets. While the probability of such disasters occurring over the next 5 billion years is low—approximately 0.2 percent for Earth—the simulations suggest a greater risk than previously understood. Additionally, the article highlights that Pluto, initially thought to be safer, faces a 4 percent chance of being ejected from the solar system or colliding with another planet due to these gravitational interactions. [Extracted from the article]