Can a Planet Explode Like a Star?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hypothetical scenario of whether a planet can explode like a star, exploring various natural disasters, internal processes, and external impacts that could lead to such an event. Participants examine the differences between stellar and planetary dynamics, as well as the conditions under which a planet might experience catastrophic failure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that simultaneous natural disasters could lead to a planet's explosion, questioning the limits of planetary stability.
  • Others argue that the processes within stars, such as nuclear fusion leading to supernovae, are fundamentally different from those in planets, which are held together by gravity.
  • A participant raises the possibility of a planet's molten core becoming unstable due to external impacts, such as a large zinc body melting into it, although this is met with skepticism regarding the feasibility of such a scenario.
  • There is a discussion about the energy stored within a planet, including mechanical, chemical, and thermal energy, and how this could potentially lead to explosive events under certain conditions.
  • Some participants differentiate between the concept of an explosion and the effects of high-velocity impacts, suggesting that while impacts could cause significant damage, they may not fit the traditional definition of an explosion.
  • One participant references the potential for a planet to explode if struck by a massive object at high speed, citing historical events like cometary impacts on Jupiter.
  • Another participant questions the definition of "explode," suggesting that various forms of energy release, including kinetic impacts, could lead to fragmentation of a planet.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with no consensus on whether a planet can explode in the same manner as a star. There are competing interpretations of what constitutes an explosion and the conditions necessary for such an event.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of consensus on definitions of explosion, the specific conditions required for a planet to experience catastrophic failure, and the assumptions regarding the internal processes of planets versus stars.

  • #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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