1

As far as I understand, the stability of the Solar system means that planets do not collide and will not in near future. The only thing that is stated on Wikipedia is that scientists are concerned about what already is in the solar system: they observe something with Jupiter's satelites Io and Europa and how Europa changes the orbit of Io. That, to me, looks like we are an isolated system and we are not.

So, here is my first question: Is it possible, that as a result of well, something, some large object (the size of Jupiter, let's say, because the Lyapunov stability of linear systems implies that Earth size object does not matter) swims into our galaxy?

Now, if that first question has a positive answer, is it possible that it takes a position close enough to Earth so that it changes the orbit of Earth (like satellite Europa does to satellite Io)?

In case that is, is it possible that Earth will become this large object's satellite? If is possible, what would happen to the Moon? Are there any examples of this in galaxy: Object A is a satellite of object B and has its own satellite namely, object C. Obviously then, C would be a satellite of B as well, but we are looking for stronger thing.

Now, we come to real deal. In case everything I suggested above is true, would we survive such a scenario, and how would(in short) the change of Earth's orbit change the life on it? Since Life as we know it very much depends on the position of Earth.

Thanks for your answers, hints and links to what happens and why. All of this came like a nightmare to me, and now I end up typing and asking, is this possible?

Qmechanic
  • 201,751
nikola
  • 127
  • 1
    Related: http://physics.stackexchange.com/q/8827/ – BowlOfRed Jan 24 '17 at 21:28
  • 1
    You may find some answers here Question on the stability of the solar system. – The Question Jan 24 '17 at 21:31
  • Last time I checked astronomy was a branch of physics. I know they like there error bars big and meaty - but all the same. – JMLCarter Jan 24 '17 at 22:13
  • 1
    To answer just the last part: no, we would not, with very high probability. Life on Earth depends critically on the planet getting an appropriate and reasonably constant amount of power from the Sun. Variations in this either outside reasonable bounds or too rapidly within these bounds are bad news. Further, while life on Earth is probably quite robust, 'advanced' life such as mammals, still less civilisation is almost certainly much less robust. Wholesale, rapid, orbital changes of the planet are extinction events. –  Jan 24 '17 at 22:36
  • 1
    @JMLCarter. I dare you to write that line about astronomy people liking lots of scope, tbe poor creatures have no choice in a lot of cases. Yes, astronomy is a branch of physics and no, I don't know where the cut off point is between questions for astronomy SE and here, but i will reread the tags the next time. If its interesting, its physics ;) –  Jan 24 '17 at 23:50
  • 1
    Sigh, luckily I'll never be a defense lawyer. Astronomy is awesome. – JMLCarter Jan 25 '17 at 00:03
  • All of the the semi-major axis of the Earth's orbit, the eccentricity of the orbit, the polar inclnation, and the phase between the inclination and the variation in orbital radius change a bit on cycles longer than current recorded history. These Milankovitch cycles leave some very interesting traces in Earth recent (by geological standards) climate history. – dmckee --- ex-moderator kitten Jan 25 '17 at 04:51

0 Answers0