How Big is Earth Compared to the Sun?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparative size of Earth and the Sun, exploring the vastness of the universe and the feelings of insignificance it evokes. Participants share images, quotes, and humorous remarks related to the scale of celestial bodies, with a focus on conceptual and emotional responses rather than technical measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express feelings of insignificance when considering the size of Earth compared to the universe.
  • There are humorous suggestions about how Earth would appear if it were closer to the Sun, with one participant proposing it would be yellow.
  • One participant references the Stefan-Boltzmann law in relation to radiant heat transfer and the effects on Earth at a closer distance to the Sun.
  • Images and links are shared to illustrate the vastness of space, including a Dyson sphere and comparisons to stars like Betelgeuse and Arcturus.
  • Quotes from Douglas Adams are used to emphasize the enormity of the universe in a light-hearted manner.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a sense of awe and humor regarding the size of celestial bodies, but there is no consensus on specific scientific claims or measurements. The discussion remains informal and exploratory without definitive conclusions.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on speculative comparisons and humorous interpretations rather than rigorous scientific analysis. The discussion does not delve into precise measurements or definitions of size.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in astronomy, the emotional impact of cosmic scales, or light-hearted discussions about the universe may find this thread engaging.

JamesU
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sunprom_soho.jpg


Does anyone else find this scary yet cool at the same time?:rolleyes:
 
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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
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  • #13
heh betelgeuse, now i know where did doglas adams took this name from...
 
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  • #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:

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