What would happen if the core of the sun were removed?

In summary, the conversation discusses a hypothetical scenario where a "maxwells demon" removes the core from the sun. The potential consequences of this event, including the expansion of the core and the collapse of the outer layers, are explored. However, the conversation is deemed irrelevant due to the impossibility of the scenario and the focus on mainstream science in discussions. The thread is closed.
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If a (maxwells) demon were to snatch the core from the sun, what would the result be? would the remaining outer layers coalesce into a red dwarf and just continue on without much fuss? Would the core, removed from the sun, undramatically just expand out to become a red dwarf also? Just a silly thought experiment that would ignore the consequences to the rest of the solar system and the impossibility of this ever actually happening, but I figured I need someone with some real skills to help here.
If a (maxwells) demon were to snatch the core from the sun, what would the result be? would the remaining outer layers coalesce into a red dwarf and just continue on without much fuss? Would the core, removed from the sun, undramatically just expand out to become a red dwarf also? Just a silly thought experiment that would ignore the consequences to the rest of the solar system and the impossibility of this ever actually happening, but I figured I need someone with some real skills to help here.
 
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The core would rapidly expand thanks to a sudden decrease in pressure. How rapidly I don't know. It might blow itself apart due to the immense difference in pressure.

The outer layers would begin to fall towards the empty center, and a lot of gravitational potential energy would probably be given up as heat in the short term, while in the long run the Sun would end up much less massive and far dimmer.
 
  • #3
Welcome to the PF. :smile:
Presenter said:
If a (maxwells) demon were to snatch the core from the sun, what would the result be?
We generally do not allow questions about impossible scenarios here at the PF. Asking what happens to the planets if the Sun suddenly disappeared is a similar type question that we get frequently. @Drakkith gave you the best response that we can offer for this impossible scenario.

If you are interested in the many interesting phenomena of solar dynamics, there are lots of great papers and discussion about that. When coming up with thought experiments (which is a very good thing for learning), please try to constrain the thinking to mainstream science, and situations that may be hard for you to understand so far. There are many thought experiments that we discuss here that lead to very interesting learning experiences.

Since this thread here is based on an impossible scenrio, it needs to be closed. :smile:
 

1. What would happen if the core of the sun were removed?

If the core of the sun were suddenly removed, the sun would no longer be able to sustain nuclear fusion, which is the process that produces the sun's energy. As a result, the sun would start to collapse under its own gravity.

2. Would the sun explode if its core was removed?

No, the sun would not explode if its core was removed. The core only makes up a small portion of the sun's mass, and its removal would not be enough to cause a catastrophic explosion.

3. How long would it take for the sun to collapse if its core was removed?

The exact time it would take for the sun to collapse if its core was removed is uncertain, but it would likely take millions of years. The sun's outer layers would continue to shine for some time before eventually cooling and becoming a white dwarf.

4. Would the Earth be affected if the sun's core was removed?

Yes, the Earth would be affected if the sun's core was removed. Without the sun's energy, the Earth would quickly become a frozen, lifeless planet. The Earth's orbit may also be disrupted due to the change in the sun's mass.

5. Is it possible for the sun's core to be removed?

No, it is not possible for the sun's core to be removed. The core is an integral part of the sun's structure and cannot be removed without completely destroying the sun. Additionally, the technology to remove the sun's core does not currently exist.

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