Gravitational Lensing: The Impact of a Massive Earth

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of gravitational lensing and its implications if the Earth were significantly more massive. Participants explore whether such an increase in mass could prevent sunlight from reaching Earth, considering both theoretical and conceptual aspects of gravitational lensing.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if a more massive Earth could result in no sunlight reaching it due to gravitational lensing.
  • Another participant argues that a more massive Earth would likely receive slightly more light, suggesting a misunderstanding of gravitational lensing by the initial poster.
  • Several participants assert that light would be lensed in towards Earth rather than out, implying that increased mass would not block sunlight.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the implications of a more massive Earth on sunlight reception, with some participants asserting that gravitational lensing would not prevent sunlight from reaching Earth, while others question the initial premise.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the implications of increased mass on gravitational lensing, and there are assumptions about the stability of the solar system that are not addressed.

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paaru said:
If the Earth was really massive, then is it possible that no sunlight will reach Earth due to gravitational lensing?
No, if Earth were much more massive than it is now it would (ignoring the point that it would totally disrupt the current solar system and just pretending that it could be in its current orbit with hugely more mass) then it would likely receive just slightly more light than it does now. It sounds like you completely misunderstand what gravitational lensing is. You should look it up, read about it, then ask questions if anything about it doesn't make sense to you.
 
No, because the light will be lensed in, not out.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
No, because the light will be lensed in, not out.
Yes, which is exactly why I said it would receive slightly more light.
 

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