If One Hundred Thousand Earths Were Thrown into the Sun: What Would Happen?

When we consider the vast cosmic scale of the universe, it might seem that placing a hundred thousand Earths into the Sun would have some tangible effect. However, the truth is somewhat different.

The Sun's Enormous Size and Mass

The surface area of the Sun is approximately eleven or twelve thousand times that of Earth. This impressive size means that a hundred thousand Earths colliding with it at the same time would result in a near-total eclipse. But how long would this eclipse last?

Calculations and Estimated Timescales

A quick calculation suggests that such an event might last for several hours. However, this approximation could be significantly off. Another estimate suggests the eclipse could extend over a period as long as several days, during which the sun would be dimmed. While these calculations offer a rough idea, it’s important to acknowledge that precise predictions are challenging, even with advanced physics.

Long-Term Effects on the Sun

Over time, the silicon, oxygen, iron, magnesium, and nickel from the hundred thousand Earths would sink towards the core of the Sun. These materials, while substantial, would only contribute a small fraction of the Sun's mass. As they heat up, the energy output of the Sun would be diverted in a manner that could lead to a significant yet temporary reduction in its luminosity. This reduction, however, would be noticeable for thousands of years.

Transformation of the Sun's Core

Eventually, the Sun’s inner core would be composed of these new materials. The present-day helium core would become the outer core, and neither would participate in fusion reactions. This would not drastically alter the Sun’s overall energy output, which is still enormous. The total output would likely diminish by less than a factor of two, and in some scenarios, the change might be negligible.

Risk of Accidental Disturbance

While the collision of a hundred thousand Earths into the Sun is theoretically possible, it’s crucial to understand that such an event would be disastrous for the solar system. The sheer energy and mass involved could destabilize the orbits of planets and moons, leading to catastrophic consequences.

Given the vast scale of the universe, the Sun would continue to function as a massive fusion engine, with its current mass increasing by a factor of about 1.3. This significant increase would still be within the category of a single star.

It is essential to avoid such scenarios by design to protect not only the Sun but also the entire solar system.