Got an astrophysics/ astrodynamics question....

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To create a life-bearing world with the surface area of Jupiter while maintaining standard Earth-like gravity (1 g) and a 24-hour day/night cycle, significant challenges arise. The discussion highlights the impossibility of having a planet with Jupiter's surface area and Earth's mass without altering its material composition, suggesting a hypothetical "styrofoam" planet. This concept raises questions about gravitational effects and the feasibility of such a configuration within a solar system. The conversation emphasizes the need for a balance between mass and diameter to achieve the desired gravitational conditions, while also acknowledging the creative liberties taken in speculative scenarios. Ultimately, the participants recognize the complexities involved in establishing a scientifically plausible setup for such a planet, while expressing a desire to explore imaginative possibilities within the constraints of their narrative.
Oracle1
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How would a solar system need to be set up to provide a life bearing world, standard 1 g, with the surface area of Jupiter with a standard day / night 24 hour cycle?
 
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Oracle1 said:
How would a solar system need to be set up to provide a life bearing world, standard 1 g, with the surface area of Jupiter with a standard day / night 24 hour cycle?
I think that would work if the Earth were the size of Jupiter and made of styrofoam. Since it's mass, not diameter, that determines orbit, the Earth would have the same orbital period and with the mass the same as Earth, but being made of styrofoam (approximately) it would have the surface area of Jupiter.

Of course, it's hard to figure how you could have a planet made of styrofoam or any equivalently weighted matter.
 
What about outside celestial influences creating a constant counter gravitational effect?

All the mass but the desired gravity.
 
Oracle1 said:
What about outside celestial influences creating a constant counter gravitational effect?
what about them?

All the mass but the desired gravity.
OOPS. I forgot to state that of course the gravity on the surface of the styrofoam planet would be way less than on Earth because same mass but much greater diameter
 
Thanks! But darn it, I'm going to have to figure something out! I need this planet to have standard mass and gravity. (though the thought of a Styrofoam planet is amusing.)

I don't really want to Sci Fi this. I'm going to be bending just about every other rule into a pretzel for this story.

My thinking is: if space is infinite with the possibility of infinite variety, then there must be some version of a solar system that could support a planet like this.

I just wanted... NEEDED really, some help figuring out how to set it up.
 
Oracle1 said:
My thinking is: if space is infinite with the possibility of infinite variety, then there must be some version of a solar system that could support a planet like this.
Learn the math of planetary orbits and figure out if one is possible, but a surface the size of Jupiter but gravity same as Earth is going to mean a styrofoam (or equivalent) planet. Period.
 
Well, That seems to put that idea to rest. Thanks for the feedback phinds.
 
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