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The sun's gravity has a number of effects on the planets. Primarily, the sun's gravity is what sets the orbits of the 9 planets. With one revolution around the sun equaling a solar year (365.25 days on earth). Planets closer to the sun orbit the sun at higher speeds due the sun's gravity being stronger at short distances (Gravity decreases exponentially as distance increases from an object)
The sun's gravity also has major tidal effects on the planets. High and low tides cycles on earth are partially a function of differences in the sun's gravity on different portions of the earth. The sun's gravity pulls slightly more on the side of the earth facing the sun, causing fluids to bulge toward that side resulting in a high tide cycle. On Mercury, where the sun's gravity is much stronger, tidal forces are powerful enough to alter solid rock and effect the planets landscape.
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What effects does gravity have on planets orbit?
Gravity, together with the planet's total kinetic and potential energy, completely determines the size and shape of the orbit.
How does the Suns gravity compared to earths gravity?
The sun gravity is stronger
Can gravity be seen in any way?
Gravity itself cannot be seen, as it is a force of attraction between objects with mass. However, its effects can be observed, such as objects falling to the ground or planets orbiting around the sun.
Do all the planets have smaller planets orbiting them?
No. Planets orbit suns, while moons orbit planets. Planets do not orbit planets.
Where is the gravity in space?
Gravity exists throughout space, even in seemingly empty areas between celestial bodies. It is a fundamental force that attracts objects with mass towards each other. The strength of gravity decreases with distance from massive objects like planets, stars, and galaxies.
