Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: 29gord on 06/02/2009 16:08:04

Title: How dependent is our solar system on our galaxy?
Post by: 29gord on 06/02/2009 16:08:04
How dependent is our solar system on our galaxy?  If we were suddenly alone with the sun and other planets would life go on as usual?

Mod edit - formatted the subject as a question, please do this to help keep the forum tidy and easy to navigate, thanks!
Title: Re: How dependent is our solar system on our galaxy?
Post by: Vern on 06/02/2009 17:16:23
Other than it being pretty dull at night time I know of no reason we would feel much difference.
Title: Re: How dependent is our solar system on our galaxy?
Post by: Soul Surfer on 06/02/2009 17:54:06
Yes.  it is fortunate that we are in the outer regions in our galaxy.  The risks of high energy radiation events is much greater nearer the centre of the galaxy.  

However the risk of stellar collisions in any galaxy is very small indeed.  even close stellar encounters that might affect the planets ate extremely unlikely
Title: Re: How dependent is our solar system on our galaxy?
Post by: Vern on 06/02/2009 17:59:57
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However the risk of stellar collisions in any galaxy is very small indeed.  even close stellar encounters that might affect the planets ate extremely unlikely
For a second there I wondered what 'extremely unlikely' might taste like [:)] Then I guessed you typo'd  'are'.
Title: Re: How dependent is our solar system on our galaxy?
Post by: Vern on 06/02/2009 20:23:58
I Googled around and found that there are ten such rogue stars close to our Milky Way Galaxy. So I guess it is not a far fetched idea.

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa52.g.akamaitech.net%2Ff%2F52%2F827%2F1d%2Fwww.space.com%2Fimages%2F080129-scit-RogueStars-01.jpg&hash=1d327388050a2f81163e749c2d819e11)

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A young star speeding away from the Milky Way is in fact an alien visitor, astronomers have confirmed. The wayward object is one of several rogues that are giving astronomers a glimpse into the volatile nature of our galaxy and others.