A new analysis drawing on Gaia space telescope observations finds the Sun will lose its outer layers unevenly as it ages. This uneven mass loss creates small cumulative thrusts that disrupt planetary orbital balance. ^[1] Observations from Gaia first indicated this effect when surveys found distant binary star pairs are rarer once one star has become a white dwarf. That pattern implies stars receive an unbalanced kick while shedding their outer layers. ^[2] In simulations run for the work, orbits intersected in 37 out of 48 runs before the Sun finished shedding mass. Approximately 40% of simulations showed these intersections occurring while the Sun is still in the red giant phase. ^{[3] [4]} The study concludes planetary orbital instability is not caused solely by passing external stars. It can also originate from the Sun's own life cycle. Simulations suggest instability could set in approximately 3 billion years after the Sun becomes a white dwarf. Timing and sequence remain uncertain, and depend on model assumptions. ^{[5] [6] [7]}