What is the Equation for Calculating the Mass of the Sun?

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SUMMARY

The equation for calculating the mass of the Sun is derived from Kepler's Third Law of planetary motion, expressed as T²/R³ = 4π²/GM. By rearranging this formula, the mass (M) can be calculated using M = 4π²(R³/T²) / G. In the discussion, a user initially calculated the mass of the Sun using Venus's orbital period and distance, arriving at an incorrect value of 3.27e+15 kg, while the correct mass is approximately 1.98e+30 kg. The discrepancy was attributed to an error in converting the orbital period from years to seconds.

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Dark_Dragon
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Dark_Dragon said:
ok, so if my equation to find the mass of the sun is:
T²/R³ = 4п²/GM
and i used the orbital period (T²)(in seconds) and the distance from the sun (R³)(in metres) of say, venus, then i transform the equation to find "M" and i get:

M = 4π²(R³/T²) / G
M = (4π²)(1.08e+11/1.95e+7) / (6.67e-11)
=3.27e+15
but the mass of the sun is 1.98e+30.

Check your calculations. I get 1.92*10^30 kg.
 
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Last edited:
Check your orbital period. Make sure you convert the year into seconds and then square it.
 
ok scratch the last post, i got it, thank you for your help both of you!
much appreciated =)
 

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