The calculation of a solar system's diameter is not simply a matter of doubling the distance of the furthest planet from its star. The boundaries of a solar system are influenced by the solar wind and the Sun's gravity, with the heliopause marking the transition to interstellar space at approximately four times Pluto's distance from the Sun. The Sun's gravitational influence extends up to two light years (125,000 AU), while the Oort cloud's radius is estimated to be around 50,000 AU. Current knowledge indicates that the furthest known objects, such as Comet West, have aphelia of about 70,000 AU from the Sun, suggesting that our understanding of the solar system's extent is still evolving.
PREREQUISITESAstronomers, astrophysicists, and space enthusiasts interested in understanding the structure and boundaries of solar systems, particularly in relation to gravitational influences and multi-star systems.
The boundaries of solar system are not exactly defined. See wiki:exxon_valdez said:What is the method of calculating the diameter of a solar system knowing each of its planets distance to the star?
The point at which the Solar System ends and interstellar space begins is not precisely defined because its outer boundaries are shaped by two forces, the solar wind and the Sun's gravity. The limit of the solar wind's influence is roughly four times Pluto's distance from the Sun; this heliopause, the outer boundary of the heliosphere, is considered the beginning of the interstellar medium.[63] The Sun's Hill sphere, the effective range of its gravitational dominance, is thought to extend up to a thousand times farther and encompasses the hypothetical Oort cloud.
Much of the Solar System is still unknown. The Sun's gravitational field is estimated to dominate the gravitational forces of surrounding stars out to about two light years (125,000 AU). Lower estimates for the radius of the Oort cloud, by contrast, do not place it farther than 50,000 AU.
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Currently, the furthest known objects, such as Comet West, have aphelia around 70,000 AU from the Sun, but as the Oort cloud becomes better known, this may change.
Surely not, see previous quotes.exxon_valdez said:Is it a matter of doubling the distance of the furthest planet?