What is the Future for the earth

So here we are wanting to know why things are going to get difficult worldwide.

2 Peter 3:10 describes the future world situation:

"But Jehovah's day will come as a thief,  in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed."

Just what are "the heavens" and the "earth" here mentioned? And "the elements" being dissolved mean what? Then Peter says "the earth and the works in it will be discovered. What does that mean?

Knowing the answers will help us be prepared or help us to "keep awake" for the fear-inspiring events that will occur in the near future.

Let's start Friday with what the Bible means when it speaks of "the heavens" and "the earth." Are these to be taken literally?