Can a Planet Turn into a Star through Gas Accumulation?

In summary, it is possible for a planet to become a star through a rare process called stellar accretion. This occurs when the planet gains enough mass to ignite nuclear fusion in its core, becoming a burning star. The minimum mass required for a planet to become a star is about 13 times the mass of Jupiter. However, not every planet has the potential to become a star as it needs the right conditions for nuclear fusion to occur. If a planet becomes a star, the other planets in the solar system will continue to orbit around it, but their orbits may be affected by the increased gravitational pull of the new star.
  • #1
JV
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Would it be possible for a planet by collecting gas to become a star. I mean if it were to collect enough hydrogen, the temperature and the pressure at the surface of the planet could get high enough to start fusion ?
 
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  • #2
The minimum mass required for spontaneous fusion is about 10^28 Kg [around 20x the mass of Jupiter]. Assuming the composition is amenable to fusion [lots of hydrogen], the core would ignite once the former planet accumulated the necessary mass.
 

1. Can a planet become a star?

Yes, it is possible for a planet to become a star, although it is a rare occurrence.

2. How does a planet become a star?

A planet can become a star through a process called stellar accretion, where it gains enough mass to ignite nuclear fusion in its core, becoming a burning star.

3. What is the minimum mass required for a planet to become a star?

The minimum mass required for a planet to become a star is about 13 times the mass of Jupiter, or 0.08 times the mass of the Sun.

4. Can any planet become a star?

No, not every planet has the potential to become a star. It needs to have enough mass and the right conditions for nuclear fusion to occur in its core.

5. What happens to the other planets in a solar system if one planet becomes a star?

If a planet in a solar system becomes a star, the other planets will continue to orbit around it, just as they did when it was a planet. However, they may experience changes in their orbits due to the increased gravitational pull of the new star.

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