Despite its size and strength, the sun will not last forever.
In about 6.5 billion years, it will run out of its hydrogen fuel, expand to envelop mercury, venus, and even earth, and then collapse into a small star known as a white dwarf.
In the meantime, the sun will continue to play a critical role in the system that bears its name.
The sun's protective magnetic field, tremendous gravitational pull and ability to create vast amounts of energy will protect, contain, and give life to our solar system.
