Earth's Underground Fungus Network Is So Gigantic That If You Stretched It Out, It Would Reach to Other Star Systems
Scientists have mapped the planet’s subterranean fungal networks, revealing a global web of mycorrhizal fungi spanning 68 quadrillion to over 110 quadrillion kilometers—far exceeding prior estimates. The findings highlight its role in carbon cycling and plant nutrition. New global mapping confirms its staggering scale, comparable to a billion times the Earth-sun distance. Some sources suggest it could reach other star systems if stretched.
What changed
New research raises the estimated length from 68 quadrillion miles to over 110 quadrillion kilometers, with multiple studies now confirming the scale via global mapping.
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Earth’s fungal network stretches 68-110 quadrillion miles underground—bigger than thought
confidence 92%Scientists have mapped the planet’s subterranean fungal networks, revealing a global web of mycorrhizal fungi spanning 68 quadrillion to over 110 quadrillion kilometers—far exceeding prior estimates. The findings highlight its role in carbon cycling and plant nutrition. New global mapping confirms its staggering scale, comparable to a billion times the Earth-sun distance. Some sources suggest it could reach other star systems if stretched.
What's confirmed:
- The Earth’s underground fungal network spans at least 68 quadrillion miles (110 quadrillion kilometers) in total length.
- A global map of mycorrhizal fungi reveals these networks extend across forests, prairies, marshes, and croplands worldwide.
- The fungal web is so vast that if stretched linearly, it would surpass a billion times the distance from Earth to the sun.
- Just one teaspoon of soil can contain up to 10 meters of fungal strands, contributing to the network’s sheer scale.
Still unconfirmed:
- The fungal network, if stretched, could theoretically reach other star systems.
- The network moves billions of tons of carbon annually, though specific figures remain unverified.