A giant ball of ICE hits a star

In summary, when a giant ball of ice hits a star, it can either melt upon impact or disrupt the star's surface and cause a temporary decrease in brightness. However, it cannot extinguish a star due to its high internal temperatures and pressures. The impact can also temporarily decrease the star's temperature, but it will eventually return to normal. While it is possible for a giant ball of ice to form in space and hit a star, the likelihood of it happening is low. The potential consequences of such an impact include temporary disruptions on the star's surface and possible effects on nearby planets or objects.
  • #1
vorcil
398
0
What happens?

[PLAIN]http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5575/1271475630826.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Well, long before it would "hit" our sun, it would start to "boil-off"(think comet tail)
But if it were big and fast enough perhaps part of it could survive until outer impact. But I doubt there would be any net effect on the sun.
The processes our sun goes through are much more violent than it's reaction to a moon-sized ice ball hitting it.
 

1. What happens when a giant ball of ICE hits a star?

When a giant ball of ice hits a star, there are several possible outcomes depending on the size and velocity of the ice ball and the type of star it hits. In some cases, the ice ball may simply melt upon impact and have no significant effect on the star. However, if the ice ball is large enough and traveling at a high enough velocity, it could potentially disrupt the star's surface and cause a temporary decrease in its brightness.

2. Can a giant ball of ICE extinguish a star?

No, a giant ball of ice cannot extinguish a star. Stars have incredibly high internal temperatures and pressures that are sustained by a constant fusion reaction, making them extremely resilient to external forces. While a giant ball of ice may cause temporary disruptions, it is not capable of extinguishing a star.

3. How does the impact of a giant ball of ICE affect a star's temperature?

The impact of a giant ball of ice on a star's surface can cause a temporary decrease in the star's temperature. This is because the ice ball absorbs energy from the star's surface as it melts, causing a temporary cooling effect. However, the star's temperature will eventually return to normal as the ice melts and dissipates.

4. Is it possible for a giant ball of ICE to form in space and hit a star?

Yes, it is possible for a giant ball of ice to form in space and hit a star. In fact, there is evidence that suggests that comets, which are essentially giant balls of ice and dust, have collided with stars in the past. However, the likelihood of such an event occurring is extremely low and would require very specific conditions.

5. What are the potential consequences of a giant ball of ICE hitting a star?

The potential consequences of a giant ball of ice hitting a star depend on the size and velocity of the ice ball and the type of star it hits. In most cases, the impact would likely have little to no effect on the star. However, if the ice ball is large enough and traveling at a high enough velocity, it could potentially cause temporary disruptions on the star's surface and affect its brightness. This could also potentially affect any nearby planets or objects orbiting the star.

Similar threads

  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Mechanics
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
32
Views
1K
Replies
30
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Mechanics
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
19
Views
2K
Back
Top