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Question
Seeing the size of jupiter and it being a gas giant is it possible for it to someday become a sun
Hello,
While Jupiter does, indeed, seem to have ample mass to become a star, the fact is that its total mass and density are perhaps a factor of 1000 too low.
That is, too low to cause protons to fuse together in nuclear reactions which can be sustained in its core.
Despite that, the vicinity around Jupiter's core does seem to have enough pressure (abotut 2 million atmospheres) to squeeze the hydrogen molecules so tightly that they are separated into individual electrons and protons.
These can then move around freely and even conduct electricity.
This is a first step in possible nuclear fusion to provide the energy for a star.
However, in Jupiter's case the interior pressures fall millions of times too low to actually force the (free) protons together to yield a basic reaction - like:
H1 + H1 -> D2 + energy
where H1 denotes a free proton, and D2 is deuterium
Thus, in Jupiter this basic "starting" reaction never happens - and Jupiter never attains "sun-hood".
Hope this sheds some light!
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Philip A. Stahl
Expertise
I specialize in stellar and solar astrophysics. Can answer any questions pertaining to these areas, the spectroscopic analysis of stars – as well as the magneto-hydrodynamics of sunspots and solar flares. Sorry – No homework problems done or research projects! I will provide hints on solutions.
Experience
Have published papers on the relationship between sunspot morphology and solar flares; discovery of SID flares related to this, constructed computerized stellar models; MHD research.
Organizations
American Astronomical Society (Solar physics and Dynamical astronomy divisions), American Geophysical Union, American Mathematical Society, Intertel.
Publications
Solar Physics, Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Journal of the Barbados Astronomical Society, Meudon Solar Flare Proceedings (Meudon, France). Books: 'Selected Analyses in Solar Flare Plasma Dynamics', 'Physics Notes for Advanced Level'.
Education/Credentials
B.A. degree in Astronomy; M.Phil. degree in Physics - specializing in solar physics.
Awards and Honors
Postgraduate research award- Barbados government; Studentship Award in Solar Physics - American Astronomical Society
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