Since the Sun is losing mass, can a planet's orbit change be measured?

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential changes in the orbits of planets due to the Sun's mass loss from thermonuclear processes and its accretion of mass from interstellar debris. However, the effect is deemed insignificant and other factors, such as tidal drag from the Sun, also play a role in the stability of Earth's orbit.
  • #1
BarnRat
26
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Since the Sun is changing 4M tons of matter into energy every second and that energy eventually makes its way to the surface and is emitted as an outbound sphere of EM radiation, then the planets' orbits would change over time due to the less massive Sun at the solar system's core. It would seem that there would be a slow outward spiral of each planet. But is this not perceptible by our instruments? Are other factors countering this effect? Does the Sun gain enough mass from interstellar debris that its gravity sucks into make up for the difference in matter-energy change due to the thermonuclear processes at its heart?
 
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  • #2
Solar mass loss due to hydrogen fusion amounts to about an Earth mass over the past 4.5 billion years. Theoretically, this would cause an increase in Earth orbit of about 7000 miles - as compared to the ~93 million miles we currently enjoy. The effect is obviously insignificant. The sun accretes only a tiny fraction of mass compared to fusion losses so that effect can be essentially ignored. Earth orbit is also affected by tidal drag from the sun. That effect is also relatively miniscule.
 
  • #3
Thank you for the response.
 

1. How does the Sun losing mass affect a planet's orbit?

The Sun losing mass does not directly affect a planet's orbit. However, it can indirectly impact the orbit through the weakening of the Sun's gravitational pull on the planet.

2. Can a planet's orbit actually change due to the Sun's mass loss?

Yes, a planet's orbit can change due to the Sun's mass loss, but it would be a very small and gradual change. The effect of the Sun's mass loss on a planet's orbit is only significant over a long period of time.

3. How is the change in a planet's orbit measured?

The change in a planet's orbit due to the Sun's mass loss can be measured through precise observations and calculations using Kepler's laws of planetary motion. This includes measuring the planet's position and velocity over time and comparing it to predicted values.

4. Does the change in a planet's orbit affect its habitability?

No, the small and gradual change in a planet's orbit due to the Sun's mass loss does not significantly affect its habitability. Other factors, such as the planet's atmosphere and distance from the Sun, have a much larger impact on a planet's habitability.

5. Will the Sun's mass loss eventually lead to the destruction of the solar system?

No, the Sun's mass loss is a natural and gradual process that occurs over billions of years. It will not lead to the destruction of the solar system, but it will eventually result in the Sun becoming a white dwarf and the outer planets moving into wider orbits.

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