Could a Giant Iron Planet Form a Black Hole?

In summary: This force is typically produced by the collapse of a dying star, which results in a very massive and dense object. While it is possible for an iron planet to have a high enough density to form a black hole, it would need to have an incredibly large mass, much larger than any known planet. Therefore, it is unlikely that a Jupiter-sized planet made primarily of iron would have the mass necessary to form a black hole. Black holes are typically reserved for dying stars and the centers of galaxies.
  • #1
Nexus555
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While I know iron isn't the most common element in the universe, is it possible that there is a Jupiter + size planet made primarly of iron? Also, when it comes to black holes - would a massive iron planet form a black hole due to it's immense mass? What would be the minimum mass to form a black hole, or is black holes reserved strictly for dying stars and centers of galaxies?
 
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  • #2
Nexus555 said:
While I know iron isn't the most common element in the universe, is it possible that there is a Jupiter + size planet made primarly of iron? Also, when it comes to black holes - would a massive iron planet form a black hole due to it's immense mass? What would be the minimum mass to form a black hole, or is black holes reserved strictly for dying stars and centers of galaxies?

A planet of that size would likely attract lots of gas and dust coming its way, so that it would end up no longer being naked. Perhaps it is possible.

The Earth is mostly of iron, so we can consider a black hole of the same density (5515 kg/m^3).

Since a black hole must have 6.73426629 * 10^26 kilograms for every meter of radius, the iron sphere (incapable of fusion) would have to be 1.14978957 * 10^38 kilograms (i.e. 58 million solar masses) with a radius of 170,737,170 kilometers, much more hefty than the sun is. I really doubt a black hole could be formed this way, or the existence of such an object. I really really doubt that my understanding of this is complete, so let's someone else pitch in...

http://www.google.com/search?q=1.14...2+*+G*+1.14978957+*+10^38+kilograms+/+c^2)^3)
 
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  • #3
Why would the iron sphere need to be that massive? All it needs to be is dense enough to form a black hole.
 
  • #4
Flatland said:
Why would the iron sphere need to be that massive? All it needs to be is dense enough to form a black hole.

It takes a massive amount of force to generate the density necessary for the creation of a black hole.
 

FAQ: Could a Giant Iron Planet Form a Black Hole?

Is it possible for a giant iron planet to exist?

Yes, it is possible for a giant iron planet to exist. In fact, there are several known exoplanets that are primarily made of iron and other heavy elements. These planets are known as "iron planets" or "iron-rich planets" and they are thought to have formed from the leftover materials of a supernova explosion.

How does a giant iron planet form?

A giant iron planet forms through a process called "core accretion." This occurs when a large amount of gas and dust in a planetary system clumps together to form a solid core. Over time, the core grows in size as more and more material is attracted to it through gravity. Eventually, the core becomes massive enough to attract and hold onto large amounts of heavy elements, such as iron, resulting in a giant iron planet.

Can a giant iron planet sustain life?

It is highly unlikely that a giant iron planet could sustain life as we know it. These planets are typically much larger and hotter than Earth, with a thick atmosphere of toxic gases. Additionally, the high levels of gravity and pressure on the surface would make it inhospitable for most forms of life.

How do scientists detect and study giant iron planets?

Scientists can detect and study giant iron planets using a variety of techniques, including radial velocity measurements, transit observations, and direct imaging. These methods allow researchers to gather data on the planet's size, mass, and composition, as well as its distance from its host star and other important characteristics.

Could a giant iron planet ever collide with Earth?

The likelihood of a giant iron planet colliding with Earth is extremely low. The vast distances between planets and the rarity of such events make it highly unlikely that a collision would occur. Additionally, the gravitational forces between planets would likely prevent them from coming into close contact with each other.

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