Introduction
It’s a question that has captivated scientists and astronomers alike: How many Earths could fit inside the Sun? While this may seem like an impossible question to answer, there are mathematical equations and calculations that can be used to make an educated guess. This article will explore the implications of planetary accretion to determine how many Earths could fit inside the Sun.
Comparing the Relative Sizes of Earth and the Sun
To begin, it’s important to understand the difference in size between Earth and the Sun. According to a study done by NASA, “The diameter of the Sun is 864,400 miles (1,391,000 kilometers), about 109 times the diameter of Earth.”1 This means that the Sun is much larger than Earth, with a much greater surface area. The scale of size between the two planets can be further broken down using mathematical equations. For instance, the ratio of the Sun’s diameter to Earth’s diameter is about 1,390,000/8,000 = 173.75. This means that if you were to place 173.75 Earths side-by-side, they would have the same circumference as the Sun.
Examining the Sun’s Mass and Density
In order to answer the question of how many Earths could fit inside the Sun, it’s also important to consider the Sun’s mass and density. According to the National Solar Observatory, “The mass of the Sun is 2 × 1030 kg, or 333,000 times the mass of Earth.”2 Additionally, the Sun’s average density is 1.41 g/cm3, which is nearly four times the density of Earth.3 Using these figures, we can calculate how many Earths could fit inside the Sun. If we assume that the Sun’s radius is equal to the average radius of the Earth (6,371 km), then the volume of the Sun would be 1,391,0003 km3. Since the mass of the Sun is 2 × 1030 kg, and its average density is 1.41 g/cm3, the mass of the Sun can be calculated as 2 × 1030 kg/1.41 g/cm3 = 1.41 × 1031 kg. This means that the number of Earths that could fit inside the Sun is 1.41 × 1031 kg/5.97 × 1024 kg = 2.36 × 106 Earths.
Investigating the Limits of Gravitational Compression
However, it’s important to note that this calculation doesn’t take into account the immense heat and pressure generated by the Sun’s gravity. As the Sun continues to compress due to gravity, its density increases, meaning that the number of Earths that could fit inside is actually lower than the initial estimate. In fact, according to a study done by the University of Arizona, “At the center of the Sun, the temperature is 15 million Kelvin and the pressure is 250 billion atmospheres.”4 This means that the limits of gravitational compression may be reached before the theoretical number of Earths that could fit inside is achieved.
Examining Other Celestial Bodies
Finally, it’s also important to consider other celestial bodies when examining how many Earths could fit inside the Sun. For instance, if we were to use a different planet such as Jupiter, the number of Earths that could fit inside would be significantly higher. This is because Jupiter is much larger than Earth, meaning that it would take up more space inside the Sun. Similarly, if we were to use a smaller planet such as Mercury, the number of Earths that could fit inside would be significantly lower. This is because Mercury is much smaller than Earth, meaning that it would take up less space inside the Sun.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s possible to make an educated guess on how many Earths could fit inside the Sun by taking into consideration the relative sizes of Earth and the Sun, the Sun’s mass and density, and other celestial bodies. Based on these calculations, it appears that the theoretical number of Earths that could fit inside the Sun is around 2.36 × 106. However, this number is likely limited by the effects of the Sun’s immense heat and pressure, meaning that the actual number of Earths that could fit inside is likely much lower. Further research is needed to better understand the implications of planetary accretion and the limits of gravitational compression.
1NASA. (n.d.). Our sun: Facts & information. Retrieved October 13, 2020, from https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/solar-system/sun/overview/
2National Solar Observatory. (n.d.). The sun – facts & figures. Retrieved October 13, 2020, from https://nsosp.nso.edu/sun-facts-figures
3National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (2017, May 03). What is the sun made of? Retrieved October 13, 2020, from https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/sun-made-of/en/
4University of Arizona. (n.d.). What is the sun? Retrieved October 13, 2020, from http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/education/solar/What_is_the_Sun.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)