You’ve likely encountered the mind-boggling fact that 1.3 million Earths can fit inside the Sun. While a simple volume calculation may lead to this figure, the actual number of whole Earths that can be packed into our star is surprisingly different. The common 1.3 million statistic, derived from a straightforward division of volumes, doesn’t account for the practicalities of fitting solid spheres into a spherical space.
The Flaw in Volume Calculation: Why 1.3 Million is Misleading
The widely cited 1.3 million number originates from dividing the Sun’s volume (approximately 1.412 x 1018 km3) by the Earth’s volume (roughly 1.083 x 1012 km3). This calculation operates on the assumption that we could somehow convert Earth into a liquid or malleable substance, perfectly filling the Sun’s internal space. However, Earth remains a solid, spherical planet. When considering fitting solid spheres into a larger sphere, empty space between them becomes an unavoidable factor.
Packing Density and Solid Spheres: A Realistic Approach to the Problem
To arrive at a more accurate estimate, we must consider the concept of packing density – the efficiency with which spheres can be arranged within a given volume. Youtuber Nick Lucid from Science Asylum addressed this question in his video, employing simulations that treat Earth as a solid sphere. Lucid’s approach intelligently incorporates the inevitable gaps that arise when packing spheres together in a confined space.
The True Number: Closer to 930,000 Earths Can Fit Inside the Sun
Through meticulously designed coded simulations and validations with real-world models, Lucid concluded that approximately 932,884 intact Earths could realistically fit inside the Sun. This figure, based on a packing density of 72.03 percent, offers a far more accurate representation than the simplistic volume-based calculation. Therefore, while the Sun’s immensity is undeniable, its capacity to hold whole Earths is somewhat less than the often-quoted 1.3 million. The next time you encounter the 1.3 million figure, you can confidently share the more realistic and equally astonishing number.
