What would happen to Earth’s orbit if the Sun vanished?
Scientists estimate that the Sun will die in around 5 billion years.
Asked by: Peter Cameron-Burnett, Devon
If the Sun miraculously disappeared, the Earth (and all the other objects in the Solar System) would continue their forward motion in a straight line off into space, instead of following their almost-circular orbits.
For the Earth this means it would head off towards the stars at about 30km/s (67,000mph). There may be some subsequent interaction between the planets of the former Solar System, but otherwise we’d continue floating through space probably without ever encountering another object.
Even if we did, we’d be long dead, having frozen to death within weeks of the Sun’s disappearance!
Read more:
- How much closer to the Sun could Earth’s orbit get and still be habitable?
- Who first claimed planets go round the Sun?
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
Authors
Subscription offer
Subscribe and save 50% on the shop price. Pay just £16.50 every 6 issues by Direct Debit. Receive every issue delivered direct to your door with FREE UK delivery.