How Big is Earth Compared to the Sun?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparative size of Earth and the Sun, highlighting the vastness of the universe and the insignificance of Earth in this context. Participants reference the Stefan-Boltzmann law of radiant heat transfer to emphasize the extreme conditions near the Sun. The conversation also touches on theoretical constructs like the Dyson Sphere, with a diameter of 200,000,000 km, and mentions Betelgeuse and Arcturus as examples of massive celestial bodies. The overarching theme is the awe-inspiring scale of the universe and humanity's small place within it.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Stefan-Boltzmann law of radiant heat transfer
  • Familiarity with celestial bodies such as Betelgeuse and Arcturus
  • Knowledge of theoretical constructs like the Dyson Sphere
  • Basic astronomy concepts regarding the size and scale of the universe
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Stefan-Boltzmann law and its applications in astrophysics
  • Explore the characteristics and significance of Betelgeuse and Arcturus
  • Learn about the concept and implications of a Dyson Sphere in theoretical physics
  • Investigate the scale of the universe through astronomical measurements and comparisons
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, astrophysicists, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the scale of the universe and the relative sizes of celestial bodies.

JamesU
Gold Member
Messages
821
Reaction score
3
sunprom_soho.jpg


Does anyone else find this scary yet cool at the same time?:rolleyes:
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Great picture yomamma!

Scott, that really makes Earth look insignificant.
 
I love feeling small and insignificant in comparison to the vastness of the universe.
 
They should have wrote, "<------you are here!"
 
cyrusabdollahi said:
They should have wrote, "<------you are here!"
:smile: :smile: :smile:

I love it!
 
That close to the sun, the Earth should be yellow like the sun.
 
Astronuc said:
That close to the sun, the Earth should be yellow like the sun.

The Earth would be YELLOW!?

http://www.boyacts.com/babin/moviepics/11.jpg
 
Well the dark side would be redder.

Think Stefan-Boltzmann radiant heat transfer, and do the form factor for the Earth that close to the sun. :biggrin:
 
  • #11
neutrino said:
Now, that's insignificant!

Infathomable! :bugeye:

13db986.jpg
 
  • #12
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #13
heh betelgeuse, now i know where did doglas adams took this name from...
 
Last edited:
  • #14
“The Universe is Big. Really big. It may seem like a long way to the corner chemist, but compared to the Universe, that’s peanuts.” :biggrin:

Douglas Adams, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
 
  • #15
OMG! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
 
  • #16
J77 said:
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/3456/500000kmppdysonsphereif1.gif

Dyson sphere - 200 000 000 km diameter :biggrin:
Cheater! Theoretical constructs not allowed. Besides, hmmmm...it only looks about as big as Betelgeuse, wot?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #17
Well, Arcturus is apparently 22 000 000 000 m diameter... :biggrin:
 
  • #18
This is really big!

<---------------------------------------------:biggrin:--------------------------------------------->
 
  • #19
yomamma said:
sunprom_soho.jpg


Does anyone else find this scary yet cool at the same time?:rolleyes:

Not forgetting your spf 10000000 sunscreen... priceless
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

High School What Are Quasi-Moons and How Do They Orbit Earth and the Sun?
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Undergrad How our Moon and Sun may affect Earth's equatorial bulge
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
667
Stargazing Does an Analemma visualize the Earth's actual orbit around the sun?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
High School How bright is the Sun compared to the sky?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
Undergrad How Big of an Object Orbiting Closer to the Sun Than Earth Could Be Overlooked?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
High School The Sun's Influence on the Moon's Orbit: Is it Negligible?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
High School What is the shape of an asteroid impact on Earth?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School How hot is the Sun in space? (James Webb related)
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
High School How long it takes the Earth to fall halfway to the Sun--ellipse method
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School How's it possible that 70% of Earth receives sunlight simultaneously
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
7K