If the Sun did not keep the Earth in orbit, our planet could start drifting into space. Meanwhile, humanity would have to struggle desperately to survive.
About 4.5 billion years ago, the Solar System formed after a massive cloud of dust and gas collapsed. The Solar System consists of the Sun and its planets. The Sun is such a massive star that its gravity can pull and hold many planets, comets, and even asteroids in orbit around it. This demonstrates the Sun’s crucial role.
If the Sun suddenly vanished, it is likely that the Earth would enter an orbit around another star. This star would need to provide light and heat similar to that of the Sun. However, by the time that happens, all of humanity may have long since vanished.
In reality, light takes about 8 and a half minutes to travel from the Sun to the Earth. Therefore, if the Sun were to disappear, we would still have 8 and a half minutes before the Earth is plunged into darkness. Moreover, electricity would continue to provide light for a while.
If the Sun were to disappear, it could have a significant impact on the Earth. (Image: SciTechDaily).
Another concerning issue would arise if the Sun were to vanish: the disruption of the orbits of celestial bodies in the Solar System. With the Sun’s gravitational force gone, all planets would fly straight ahead.
However, the Earth would cool down rapidly. Thus, if we knew the day the Sun would collapse, humanity might need to prepare for a survival scenario lasting 1,000 years. This could happen if we have enough resources to sustain ourselves during that long period.
In reality, just a few meters away from Earth, our planet maintains a temperature of about 17 degrees Celsius. Therefore, if people had enough time to prepare, civilization could continue to exist by moving underground. Humans would live in a vast network of sturdy bunkers.
Within a week after the Sun disappears, surface temperatures on Earth would drop to -17.8 degrees Celsius. Then, within a year, temperatures would plummet to around -73.3 degrees Celsius. At that point, the world’s oceans would begin to freeze from the top down.
Without sunlight, photosynthesis would cease. This would quickly lead to the death of most plants. However, some large trees might survive for several decades without relying on photosynthesis.
Within 1,000 years, Earth’s atmosphere would also collapse. At that time, whatever remains on the surface would have to contend with cosmic radiation and the impact of asteroids.
So, what would happen if the Earth were as large as the Sun?
The Sun accounts for about 98% of the total mass of the Solar System. Compared to the densest planet, Earth, the Sun is 1.3 million times larger in volume.
According to scientists, Earth would be a very different place if it were the same size as the Sun. Specifically, if Earth were as large as the Sun in both size and mass, it would not only threaten human existence but also disrupt the entire Solar System.
If Earth were as large as the Sun, or even larger, it could disrupt the entire Solar System. (Illustrative image).
We would also lose the Moon in some way. As Earth becomes heavier, its gravitational force would also increase. In this case, the gravitational force on Earth would be 28 times stronger than it is now.
Why does the Solar System move as it does? The reason is that the Sun has a significantly greater mass. This overwhelming gravitational force has compelled the planets to enter its orbit.
However, if both the Sun and Earth each accounted for 49% of the mass of the Solar System, it could lead to the formation of a binary system, wherein the Sun and Earth would orbit each other.
At that time, the orbits of other planets in the Solar System would certainly be affected. The significantly stronger gravitational force would also increase the risk of Earth colliding with asteroids.
Additionally, there would be many concerns about asteroids. Moreover, human-made satellites in space could fall to Earth. Meanwhile, buildings and roads might collapse under the increased gravitational pressure.
Only short, thick-stemmed trees would be able to withstand. Tall trees would struggle under the added weight.
How would increased gravity affect each person?
Humans would also be significantly heavier and would find movement difficult. Imagine, if you weigh 50 kg on Earth now, you would feel like you weigh 1,400 kg on an Earth as large as the Sun.
Especially, as gravity increases, time would slow down. Thus, humans may live longer, but it would likely be a long life spent in bed with pain.
Fortunately, we do not need to worry about this nightmare, as the Earth will never be as large as the Sun. Instead, the reality is that our Earth is getting smaller. Earth’s atmosphere is leaking, causing the blue planet to lose hundreds of tons of mass into space every day.
