Why the Sun Doesn't Move: Debunking Common Misconceptions About Solar Motion

In summary, the sun appears to remain stationary in a sun-centered coordinate system, but it actually has multiple motions including rotation within the galaxy and a wobbling caused by the orbits of planets. These motions are not significant enough to significantly affect the overall position of the sun over millions of years. Additionally, the sun and the rest of the solar system are also moving around the center of the galaxy at a high speed. The wobbling of the sun is also responsible for the discovery of planets orbiting other stars. However, the sun does have a slight up and down movement through the galactic plane over a long period of time.
  • #1
vin300
603
4
It is often safely assumed that the sun and the orbits remain relatively stationary(let's not consider precession) and the motion of the sun around the barycenter (without which the sun would be pulled towards the planets) can be neglected, but the resultant force of gravity on the sun is always changing, and yet the sun hasn't moved over these millions of years. Why?
 
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  • #2
Doesn't the north star make it bounce a little?
 
  • #3
The sun does move. But in a sun-centered coordinate system it is, by definition, stationary.
 
  • #4
Vanadium 50 said:
The sun does move. But in a sun-centered coordinate system it is, by definition, stationary.

yes indeed the sun does move.
firstly ... the very large scale motion as part of the rotation of the galaxy

secondary ... the sun wobbles due to the orbits of the planets around it

this 2nd motion ... the wobble... is what is allowing astronomers to discover
planets orbiting other stars :)

Dave
 
  • #5
I recall an article in popular astronomy press here many years ago, that listed over a dozen independent motions that Sun does at the same time.
 
  • #6
Our whole solar system, sun included, is moving around the massive black hole in the centre of the galaxy in the outer arm of the spiral at something around 10,000mph, but the pull of the planets does little to affect the movement of the sun due to the incredible mass of the sun in comparison to the planets, like if you were to throw a pea away from you, it would be pulling on you with it's own gravity, but not enough to really make any difference to where you are. I think Stars appear to wobble as planets pass in front of them due to the light being emitted from it being bent by the gravity of the planet, not the pull of the planet moving the sun/star
 
  • #7

1. Why doesn't the sun move?

The sun appears to move across the sky because of Earth's rotation, but in reality, the sun is stationary and it is the Earth that is rotating on its axis. This rotation creates the illusion of the sun's movement.

2. If the sun is stationary, why does it rise and set?

As Earth rotates on its axis, different parts of the planet are exposed to the sun's light, creating day and night. This is why the sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west from our perspective on Earth.

3. Why does the sun appear to move in the sky throughout the day?

The sun's apparent movement throughout the day is due to Earth's rotation combined with its orbit around the sun. As Earth continues to rotate, our perspective of the sun's position changes, making it appear to move across the sky.

4. Does the sun ever actually move?

While the sun appears to move in the sky, it is actually the Earth's movement that creates this illusion. The sun is the center of our solar system and remains stationary in relation to the other planets.

5. What would happen if the sun did move?

If the sun were to physically move in space, it would have a significant impact on our entire solar system. The orbits of the planets would be disrupted, and life on Earth would be drastically affected due to changes in temperature and light. However, the sun is expected to remain stationary for billions of years to come.

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