How many of the remaining planets could fit between the Earth and the Moon?
These numbers are from NASA’s Solar System Fact Sheets.
Planet Average Diameter (km)
Mercury 4,879
Venus 12,104
Mars 6,771
Jupiter 139,822
Saturn 116,464
Uranus 50,724
Neptune 49,244
Total 380,008
The average distance from the Earth to the Moon is 384,400 km. And check it out, that leaves us with 4,392 km to spare, with enough room left over for the Dwarf Planet, Pluto (2300km).
More Info:
www.universetoday.com
What are your thoughts on this subject?
67 Comments
Jan David Layton
Yowza! That's hard to believe but I know the answer is correct. I guessed all but Jupitor. The moon is further away than I thought!! LOL
Thomas Begeng
Actually - these are all average distances and diameters - so the answer is "it depends".
The closest the moon gets to earth is 363,100 Km, and the furthest away is 405,970 Km (with the average distance 384,400 Km per the answer)
All of the planets bulge at their equators a little like a squashed tennis ball so the diameter is smaller pole to pole than at the equator.
The sum of the polar diameters of all the remaining planets is 364,800 Km so all but Mercury would still fit a the closest point placed pole to pole.
The sum of the equatorial diameters of the remaining planets is however 387,950 Km so at the closest point Earth to Moon , the planets placed equator to equator you'd have to leave out all the remaining inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars) and shave off 1000 Km from Neptune to fit the gap.
Kevin Dale Streets
They called Pluto a "dwarf planet." Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Pluto lose that distinction as well, and thus, reducing its name to a number?
manasphal
Actually - these are all average distances and diameters - so the answer is "it depends".
The closest the moon gets to earth is 363,100 Km, and the furthest away is 405,970 Km (with the average distance 384,400 Km per the answer)
All of the planets bulge at their equators a little like a squashed tennis ball so the diameter is smaller pole to pole than at the equator.
The sum of the polar diameters of all the remaining planets is 364,800 Km so all but Mercury would still fit a the closest point placed pole to pole.
The sum of the equatorial diameters of the remaining planets is however 387,950 Km so at the closest point Earth to Moon , the planets placed equator to equator you'd have to leave out all the remaining inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars) and shave off 1000 Km from Neptune to fit the gap...
Craig H
Kevin Dale Streets, I believe due to many being taught at school that Pluto was a planet, they are now seriously considering reinstating as a planet.
Captain can't Quiz
I like astronomy questions, particularly the planets and constellations.
ktldg
Either way .. they didn't say at the same time lol
but it also depends on the tide gravity and location at which this could me sure.
I said all but Jupiter cuz i did not think that Jupital could fit.
Learn something new everyday
ktldg
Kevin Dale Streets, that's why they said all remaining (not including Pluto.
Is why they said all 7 not 8
Spc Kook Dude
Kevin Dale Streets, Google it. Google has the right answer.
srichie
They forgot about Pluto
Teresa Hibberd
Wow! I had no idea! Obviously or I would have got it right. I think my brain just exploded.
Edmund Jonah
You forgot Pluto. Would that squeeze in too?
Vladimir Orozco
Logical to assume that all seven planets are in between.
kandarpoza
gridirongreen, Superman cannot get an asylum these days.
pykim
Kevin Dale Streets, I don't know but I don't think so. Pluto is a dwarf planet or plutoid.
Susie Sauceda
Amazing, yet the moon looks so close.
bsvice
Oh crap! I keep forgetting that Pluto is no longer considered to be a regular planet. I almost said 'All 7'. Grrr...
gridirongreen
There is enough space left to fit in the planet Krypton if it had not exploded and left Superman applying for asylum.