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What would happen to Earth if the Sun was twice as massive?
We’re in free-fall around the sun — we’re “weightless” as an astronaut is in orbit around the Earth. If the sun’s mass were to double without pushing or pulling on the Earth, then the Earth’s orbit will change to an ellipse which brings it out to our current radius but spends most of its time closer to the sun.
What would happen if the Sun was more massive?
The sun’s mass determines how strong its gravity is. For example, if the sun were more massive with a stronger gravitational pull, and if Earth were at the same distance from the sun, our planet would have to orbit faster or it would fall into the sun.
What would have happened if the sun were bigger or smaller than it is now?
If for any reason the Sun shrank smaller than the Earth, this shrunken Sun wouldn’t have the mass to create fusion and would burn out completely. Our solar system would lose its only star. Earth’s mass would be at least 333,000 times bigger than it is now. Imagine the gravity that planet would have.
What if Earth was 2 times bigger?
If Earth were twice its size, you’d be heavier, because the force of gravity increases as the planet’s density and radius increase. The iron core and liquid mantle would also be 10 times larger, and with more gravity acting on a larger mass, the pressure beneath Earth’s surface would increase.
What if the Sun was 2x smaller?
In the half-mass sun scenario, the habitable zone would shift closer to the star; if the Earth orbited at the same distance, our water would freeze solid. Smaller stars produce more frequent blasts of radiation called flares, which would bombard close-in planets.
What would happen if Earth and the sun had the same mass?
Earth being the same size as the Sun is hard enough to imagine, but when you consider a Sun-sized Earth having the same mass as the Sun, it doesn’t only jeopardize our survival, it disrupts our entire Solar System. Think about it. With the Earth as big as the Sun, you’d pretty much lose the Moon either way.
What would happen if sun shrinked?
If for any reason the Sun shrank smaller than the Earth, this shrunken Sun wouldn’t have the mass to create fusion and would burn out completely. Since the Sun is the source of gravity that keeps us in orbit, all planets, the Earth included, would float away into space in search of another anchor.
What would happen if the sun were bigger or smaller than it is now?