The Sun’s core runs out of helium. Gravity takes over and causes a new collapse of the core, triggering violent and unstable fusions. A series of four convulsions occurs, each separated by 100,000 years. The Sun reaches a terrifying luminosity of 5,200 times its current brightness. These are the death rattles of our star. The outer layers, now expelled beyond the inner planetary system, are repeatedly illuminated. The Sun is on its way to becoming a white dwarf, gradually dissipating its remaining heat into space.
