Some questions mostly dealing with large objects in space.

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter DeadLeaf
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Space
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion addresses several fundamental questions regarding the physical properties of large objects in space, particularly their shapes and gravitational effects. Key points include the mass threshold for spherical shapes, the impact of collisions in high-density regions like the Kuiper Belt, and the potential for non-spherical shapes in roaming celestial bodies. Additionally, the conversation touches on the curvature of light in relation to space-time and the overall shape of the universe, questioning whether it is spherical or ellipsoidal. The discussion emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of gravitational physics and cosmology.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational physics and mass thresholds for celestial bodies
  • Familiarity with the Kuiper Belt and its characteristics
  • Basic knowledge of space-time concepts and light curvature
  • Awareness of cosmological theories such as the Big Crunch and Big Freeze
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mass thresholds for celestial bodies to achieve a spherical shape
  • Explore the dynamics of the Kuiper Belt and its impact on object collisions
  • Study the principles of space-time and light curvature in general relativity
  • Investigate current cosmological models regarding the shape and fate of the universe
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, students of cosmology, and anyone interested in the physical properties of celestial objects and the structure of the universe.

DeadLeaf
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
I have some questions I was hoping someone could help me with; any and all answers are greatly appreciated.
1) At what size and/or mass do most objects generate enough gravity to be spherical?
2) In high density areas (like in the Keiper belt or whatever) could an object exceed the mass necessary to be spherical but come under so many collisions that it’s in fact nowhere near spherical?
3) I know (or pretty sure I do) the shape of an object in space is effected by what that object is orbiting (such as Titan around Saturn) but if a planet size object were roaming (read: not in an orbit of any sort around any other object) is there a possibility it might not be spherical?
4) Every time I see a book describing space-time it shows a picture of a 3-d sphere sitting on a 2-d plane with the line of light curving along said plane; my question then is: would it be possible for light to bend not only within the little xy-plane shown but also along a z axis as well?
5) Is it possible with the billions of objects out in space for light to curve around for us to look out into the night sky and see Earth from Earth (assuming you had a high enough powered telescope)?
6) I’ve only ever heard of two theories regarding the fate of our universe, the big crunch and the big freeze, and from what I gather the big freeze has won out. But is it possible that everything in the universe is orbiting around the universe’s center of mass but we’re unable to see enough of the universe to make that out?
7) Is the shape of the universe a sphere? I’ve seen pictures of what the universe was supposed to look like in the billionths of a second after the big bang and they show it as an ellipsoid but is that still its shape now?
8) Following up on number 7, assuming the energy of the big bang were spread evenly, why is the early universe an ellipsoid and not a sphere, what propelled some stuff farther than other stuff?
In keeping with my trend of disclaimers: my background in physics consists solely of the science and history channel and the highest I’ve yet gone in math is multivariable calculus and linear algebra so if an equation is for some reason needed beyond that to fully convey an answer could you walk me there?
One other reasonably important thing of note, the last thread in which I asked a few questions was locked because it got off topic. Some of the off-topic stuff was interesting but none-the-less the administrators felt they had to step in. To avoid this thread meeting the same fate could that mostly be avoided? I’ll start a thread on the mathematical analysis of harmonics as it relates to the pleasure of experiencing music if necessary. :)
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Wow. That's a lot of questions!

I will say that for #5 the answer, to my understanding, is no.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 86 ·
3
Replies
86
Views
9K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
4K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K