What kind of path would the planets follow if suddenly their attraction to the sun no longer existed?
Question asked by: physics101
Asked on: 08 Oct 2008
If the sun were plucked from the sky, then nothing would happen until the message the sun had gone had been communicated to the planets at light speed.
So for the first eight minutes, nothing at all would happen to the orbit of the earth.
Then when the sun was gone and the topology of space had changed accordingly, the gravitation of other bodies would become the dominant force and the planets may either drift aimlessly or start to pull for instance towards Jupiter.
By: knowitall
Replied at: 12 Oct 2008
Average rating for this answer is 4 / 5
Rate Answer
Comment or provide your answer to this question
No comments have been added to this question "What kind of path would the planets follow if suddenly their attraction to the sun no longer existed?".
No comments have been added to this question "What kind of path would the planets follow if suddenly their attraction to the sun no longer existed?".
Ask a New Question
Find out more about Physics
Physics Questions and Answers planets Questions and Answers Next question: Why don't the passengers fall out when a rollercoaster goes upside down?
Become a Member! It's Free >>>
Puzzles
Question Keywords
attraction sun existed longer suddenly kind path
More Questions:Can Energy Be Converted Into Mass?
Why Is Sunlight Dangerous
What Is The Effect On The Speed Of A Fighter Plane Chasing An Another When It Opens Fire?what Happen To The Speed Of Pursued Plane When It Returns The Fire?