Gravitational Lensing: The Impact of a Massive Earth

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of a hypothetical scenario where Earth possesses significantly greater mass. Participants clarify that, despite increased mass, gravitational lensing would not prevent sunlight from reaching Earth. Instead, gravitational lensing would actually focus more light towards the planet. The consensus is that a more massive Earth would receive slightly more sunlight, contradicting the initial assumption that it would block light.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational lensing principles
  • Basic knowledge of astrophysics and mass effects on light
  • Familiarity with the solar system's structure
  • Concept of light propagation in gravitational fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of gravitational lensing in astrophysics
  • Explore the effects of mass on light behavior in general relativity
  • Study the solar system dynamics with varying planetary masses
  • Investigate real-world examples of gravitational lensing observed in astronomy
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, astrophysicists, and students studying gravitational effects in space will benefit from this discussion.

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paaru said:
If the Earth was really massive, then is it possible that no sunlight will reach Earth due to gravitational lensing?
No, if Earth were much more massive than it is now it would (ignoring the point that it would totally disrupt the current solar system and just pretending that it could be in its current orbit with hugely more mass) then it would likely receive just slightly more light than it does now. It sounds like you completely misunderstand what gravitational lensing is. You should look it up, read about it, then ask questions if anything about it doesn't make sense to you.
 
No, because the light will be lensed in, not out.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
No, because the light will be lensed in, not out.
Yes, which is exactly why I said it would receive slightly more light.
 

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