Will the Sun Ever Burn Out? We Asked a NASA Expert

Will the Sun ever burn out? Not quite, but it will change dramatically. Like all stars, it’s going through a life cycle powered by nuclear fusion. Right now, it’s halfway through its 10-billion-year lifetime.

Eventually, the Sun will expand into a red giant, engulfing the inner planets, then collapse into a white dwarf — a small, hot, dim remnant of its former self.

A NASA scientist explains what’s ahead for our star.