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first it is not a source it is a force. There are at least two equal and opposite forces that keep an object in an orbit. Gravity and centrifugal force. Gravity is an attraction which is proportional to the product of the two gravitating bodies divided by the square of the distance between them. Without a force to counteract this attraction, the bodies would move toward each other, the distance decreases, the force between them increase and the two bodies will eventually collide. Centrifugal force on the other hand is a force generated by the radial acceleration of a body moving on a curve. Thus as the planet revolved around a star, centrifugal force is generated which is opposite in direction to the gravitational attraction of the planet and the star. Balance is therefore attained and the planet stays in its orbit. This is the same thing that happens between a star and the core of the galaxy where it is located. The star and its planetary complement revolve around the core of the galaxy and the centrifugal force generated by the revolution counteracts the attraction of the galactic core and the star, hence balance is maintained.

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The gravitational force between the planets and the Sun keeps the planets in place and maintains their orbits. This force acts as a centripetal force that prevents the planets from drifting off into space.

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10mo ago
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Q: What source keeps the planets in place?
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Continue Learning about Astronomy

What source keeps the planets from flying out of the solar system?

The force of gravity between the planets and the sun keeps them in orbit and prevents them from flying out of the solar system. The sun's gravitational pull keeps the planets in stable orbits around it.


The earths gravity keeps the planets circling the sun?

Actually, it's the gravity of the sun that keeps the planets in orbit around it. The force of gravity between the sun and the planets causes them to be pulled towards the sun, while their momentum keeps them moving in a circular or elliptical path.


What keeps the planets and sun in orbit?

The question probably means "What keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun?" The answer to that is : The Sun's gravitational attraction provides the force needed to keep the planets in orbit. This force doesn't pull the planets any closer to the Sun, but it stops the planets moving away (at a tangent to their orbits) due to their own velocities.


What keeps the planets from being pulled into the sun?

The planets are kept in orbit around the sun due to the gravitational force between them. This force, which is a balance between the planet's inertia and the sun's gravitational pull, keeps the planets moving in a stable path around the sun.


What holds the moon and planets in place?

Gravity is what holds the moon and planets in place. The gravitational force between these celestial bodies and the larger objects like the sun keeps them in their orbits and maintains their positions in the solar system.