If we were to magically replace our Sun with the supergiant star, Betelgeuse, how many planets in our Solar System would be inside of the star itself? (Hint: Compare the semi-major axis of the planets to the Stars Radius). Clearly state the values that you find and convert to answer this question.

Question

Geography

Alexis Wall

15 January, 22:29

If we were to magically replace our Sun with the supergiant star, Betelgeuse, how many planets in our Solar System would be inside of the star itself? (Hint: Compare the semi-major axis of the planets to the Stars Radius). Clearly state the values that you find and convert to answer this question.

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Answers (1)

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Shiloh Henry · Answer 1

Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars

Explanation:

The radius of the super giant star Betelgeuse star is about 800 times the radius of the Sun.

Radius of Betelgeuse = 800 * 695510 km = 5.56*10⁷ km = 3.72 AU

Semi Major axis of Mercury = 0.3 AU

Semi Major axis of Venus = 0.72 AU

Semi Major axis of Earth = 1 AU

Semi Major axis of Mars = 1.5 AU

Semi Major axis of Jupiter = 5.2 AU

Thus, from the above data, it can be concluded that Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars would be within the star itself.