Can a Planet Explode Like a Star?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of whether a planet can explode like a star. Participants clarify that while stars undergo supernovae due to internal fusion processes, planets lack similar mechanisms. A planet can only be destroyed by external forces, such as a massive impact from a celestial body. The conversation also touches on the energy stored within planets and the effects of gravitational interactions, suggesting that while planets are stable, they can experience catastrophic events under specific conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of stellar processes, specifically supernova and hypernova phenomena.
  • Knowledge of planetary geology and the internal structure of planets.
  • Familiarity with gravitational interactions and their effects on celestial bodies.
  • Basic principles of energy storage in physical systems, including mechanical and thermal energy.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanisms of supernovae and hypernovae in stars.
  • Study the internal structure and dynamics of Earth and other planets.
  • Explore the effects of high-velocity impacts on planetary bodies.
  • Investigate gravitational interactions and tidal forces in celestial mechanics.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, planetary geologists, and anyone interested in the dynamics of celestial bodies and the potential for catastrophic events in the universe.

  • #31
A timely post: http://blastr.com/2011/09/astronomer-explains-why-w.php"
 
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  • #32
Janus said:
The gravitational binding energy of the Earth is 2e32 joules, which is the equivalent of ~5e16 megatons of nuclear yield. The largest nuclear weapon ever built was rated at 50 megatons. so this is the equivalent of 10^15 of these bombs.

The surface area of the Earth is only ~5e14m² which means you would need enough of these bombs to cover the entire surface of the Earth with two bombs squeezed into every square meter.

In addition, each nuclear weapon needs about 15 kg of fissile material such as U 235 for the "trigger". Even if you include the amount of uranium in the oceans, you come up with only ~1/417,000 of the amount needed.

True, but that's using H-bombs. Supernovae are not caused by hydrogen fusion. They're caused by run-away fusion of Carbon, or Silicon, or mixtures of these and a few other heavier elements that creates such a rapid release of energy the star explodes.
We can make a planet explode. We need only artificially increase the Earth's gravity to the point of carbon fusion. Maybe the Asguard will lend us one.
 

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