Understanding Jupiter's Stellar Potential

In popular science discussions, Jupiter is often described as a "failed star." This prompts a deeper investigation into what makes Jupiter a planet instead of a star, what barriers exist that prevent its transformation, and if there’s any possibility of it becoming a star in the future.

Jupiter, classified as a gas giant, possesses a mass approximately 317 times that of Earth, yet it is more than 1,000 times less massive than the Sun. Its composition is predominantly hydrogen (75%) and helium (24%), with a mere 1% made up of other elements. In contrast, the Sun shares a similar hydrogen and helium ratio but achieves a different classification due to the presence of thermonuclear reactions. These reactions convert hydrogen into helium, releasing an immense amount of energy, which is the source of the Sun's light and heat.

But why doesn't Jupiter experience these thermonuclear reactions? The answer lies in the extreme temperatures required for such processes to occur. In stars like the Sun, these high temperatures result from the immense pressure created by their significant mass and gravity. Jupiter simply lacks the necessary mass to generate the core temperatures needed for thermonuclear activity.

To comprehend the mass required for Jupiter to ignite as a star, it is estimated that an object must have at least 1/20th the mass of the Sun—around 52 times Jupiter's mass—to initiate thermonuclear reactions. However, even at this mass, thermonuclear reactions may not occur. Objects with masses up to 70 times that of Jupiter can exist without engaging in fusion, and these are classified as brown dwarfs.

For Jupiter to truly become a star, specifically a red dwarf, it would need to increase its mass by about 80 to 100 times. Currently, there are no indications that Jupiter will accumulate this much mass.

Interestingly, when considering the total mass of all celestial bodies within our solar system—including planets, the asteroid belt, the Kuiper belt, and long-period comets—it amounts to less than the mass of a single Jupiter. Thus, for both Jupiter and humanity, the prospects of it becoming a star seem bleak.

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Chapter 2: Exploring Jupiter's Potential

In the video "Could Jupiter Become a Star?" we delve into the science behind Jupiter's classification and the requirements for stellar formation.

The video "Can Jupiter Ever Become a Star?" further explores the conditions necessary for Jupiter to transform into a star and why those conditions remain unmet.