Agnostic.com
2 5

[quora.com]

If an object the same mass as the Earth was to whiz past the Earth but miss by less than 500km, what would be the effects? Would there be massive tsunamis? Would people get pulled off the ground? Would there be no effect at all?
Mats Andersson
Mats Andersson, M Sc. Physics & Computer Science, Uppsala University (1991)
Updated May 1, 2017 · Upvoted by Andy Buckley, PhD in particle physics, visiting researcher at CERN, lecturer in physics and Mike Jarvis, Professional astrophysicist

The Roche limit for Earth is 16,000 km. This means that any object—provided it’s big enough so that it is held together by gravity—that comes closer to Earth than this, will be torn apart by tidal forces. Smaller objects hold together by other forces than gravity; spaceships and small meteors are fine.

If we have an object the same mass as Earth (and presumably a similar size), 500 km is well inside both objects’ Roche limits. Both bodies would be torn apart—on these scales, planets can be considered to be liquid—and presumably merge, after some complicated orbital shenanigans.

So no, “tsunamis” doesn’t even begin to describe it. There would be “tsunamis” consisting of the Earth’s entire mantle.

Now, you say “whiz past”. If the relative motion is fast enough, it is possible that only the parts closest to the other body would disintegrate like this, and that the molten mantle would eventually fall back on the original planets. I wouldn’t know exactly how fast “fast enough” is, and it’s still seriously bad news for the rest of the planet.

The best vantage point from which to watch this would be on Mars.

[EDIT: I am using a simple approximation of the Roche limit, such as the one used in this article. Victor T. Toth gives a more detailed explanation in his excellent comment below; all details considered, it doesn’t seem altogether certain that the bodies will be destroyed or merge. I think we’d have to do a detailed numerical simulation to find out. I still stand by the “mantle tsunamis”, though: I haven’t actually performed the calculations, but it seems overwhelmingly likely that the tidal forces would exceed the strength of the Earth’s crust.]

Smorie 4 Mar 24
Share
You must be a member of this group before commenting. Join Group

Enjoy being online again!

Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.

Create your free account

2 comments

Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.

0

We would see it coming, I presume? Just need time to say my goodbyes!

Hathacat Level 9 Mar 24, 2019
0

Interesting theory. Seems logical. We have to hope it doesn't happen.

Recent Visitors 28

Photos 424 More

Posted by starwatcher-alThe occultation of Mars on the 7th.

Posted by starwatcher-alThe occultation of Mars on the 7th.

Posted by starwatcher-alSolar minimum was in 2019 so the sun is ramping up in flares, spots and prominences.

Posted by starwatcher-alI missed the early phases of the eclipse but the clouds mostly left during totality. All in all a great eclipse. Next one is Nov. 8-22

Posted by starwatcher-alI missed the early phases of the eclipse but the clouds mostly left during totality. All in all a great eclipse. Next one is Nov. 8-22

Posted by RobecologyFor those following the JWST.

Posted by AnonySchmoose The post-launch set-up of the new James Webb telescope has gone very well.

Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken with Stellina (80 mm): M33 Triangulum Galaxy M1 Crab Nebula NGC281 Pacman Nebula in Cassiopeia NGC 6992 Veil Nebula in Cygnus

Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken with Stellina (80 mm): M33 Triangulum Galaxy M1 Crab Nebula NGC281 Pacman Nebula in Cassiopeia NGC 6992 Veil Nebula in Cygnus

Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken with Stellina (80 mm): M33 Triangulum Galaxy M1 Crab Nebula NGC281 Pacman Nebula in Cassiopeia NGC 6992 Veil Nebula in Cygnus

Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken with Stellina (80 mm): M33 Triangulum Galaxy M1 Crab Nebula NGC281 Pacman Nebula in Cassiopeia NGC 6992 Veil Nebula in Cygnus

Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken October 2nd 2021 with Stellina 1.

Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken October 2nd 2021 with Stellina 1.

Posted by HumanistJohnImages taken October 2nd 2021 with Stellina 1.

Posted by starwatcher-al Did you know that you can see Venus in the daytime?

Posted by starwatcher-alOne of these days I think that I'll figure out this Nikon.

  • Top tags#video #earth #moon #solar #mars #stars #planets #world #Jupiter #NASA #galaxies #astronomy #god #hope #cosmic #university #eclipse #physics #kids #einstein #religion #religious #money #evidence #movies #scientific #existence #discovery #book #created #friends #humans #ancient #death #theories #reason #asteroid #children #DonaldTrump #USA #laws #alien #community #society #evolution #parents #guns #hello #birth #California ...

    Members 728Top

    Moderator