Why the Sun Doesn't Move: Debunking Common Misconceptions About Solar Motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that the Sun does indeed move, primarily as part of the Milky Way galaxy's rotation and due to the gravitational influence of the planets. While the Sun's motion is complex, it is often perceived as stationary in a sun-centered coordinate system. The Sun experiences a wobble caused by the orbits of the planets, which aids astronomers in detecting exoplanets. Additionally, the Sun's movement through the galactic plane occurs over millions of years, influenced by the massive gravitational forces at play.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of galactic motion and structure
  • Familiarity with gravitational forces and their effects
  • Knowledge of coordinate systems in astronomy
  • Basic concepts of exoplanet detection methods
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Milky Way's rotation and its impact on solar motion
  • Study the gravitational effects of planets on stellar bodies
  • Explore the methods used in exoplanet detection, such as the transit method
  • Learn about the dynamics of the solar system and its movement through the galaxy
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Astronomers, astrophysics students, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of solar motion and its implications for exoplanet research.

vin300
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It is often safely assumed that the sun and the orbits remain relatively stationary(let's not consider precession) and the motion of the sun around the barycenter (without which the sun would be pulled towards the planets) can be neglected, but the resultant force of gravity on the sun is always changing, and yet the sun hasn't moved over these millions of years. Why?
 
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Doesn't the north star make it bounce a little?
 
The sun does move. But in a sun-centered coordinate system it is, by definition, stationary.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
The sun does move. But in a sun-centered coordinate system it is, by definition, stationary.

yes indeed the sun does move.
firstly ... the very large scale motion as part of the rotation of the galaxy

secondary ... the sun wobbles due to the orbits of the planets around it

this 2nd motion ... the wobble... is what is allowing astronomers to discover
planets orbiting other stars :)

Dave
 
I recall an article in popular astronomy press here many years ago, that listed over a dozen independent motions that Sun does at the same time.
 
Our whole solar system, sun included, is moving around the massive black hole in the centre of the galaxy in the outer arm of the spiral at something around 10,000mph, but the pull of the planets does little to affect the movement of the sun due to the incredible mass of the sun in comparison to the planets, like if you were to throw a pea away from you, it would be pulling on you with it's own gravity, but not enough to really make any difference to where you are. I think Stars appear to wobble as planets pass in front of them due to the light being emitted from it being bent by the gravity of the planet, not the pull of the planet moving the sun/star
 

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