Nuclear fusion on Jupiter

[IdahoB]

Something that's kept me wondering for a while. What would happen if a stray thermonuclear missle detonated on Jupiter?

I understand that because of Jupiter's size and density it is unable to support a sustained fusion reaction in it's core, so we won't end up with another sun on our hands, but would the detonation cause a chain reaction and therefore enormous expansion (ie bang) or would it just be absorbed?

 

[bobsmith1492]

Ever read the space odyssee (gr can't spell) 2001 series?

 

[unipidity]

Im thinking... probably not. A bomb going off is going to produce a lot of excess heat, but it is also going to reduce local density due to the shockwave. Minimal effect, especially given Jupiter's size.

NB its a guess.

 

[Calin]

Some fusion reactions take place in the core of the giant planet. However, in no place (not even in core) the temperature/density of the gas is enough for a continuous fusion reaction (not even in the core)

 

[Calin]

By the way, a missile on Jupiter is so much less than a drop in an ocean...

 

[IdahoB]

Originally posted by: Calin
Some fusion reactions take place in the core of the giant planet. However, in no place (not even in core) the temperature/density of the gas is enough for a continuous fusion reaction (not even in the core)

...now I did not know that. That rather answers my question in itself.

 

[genghislegacy]

:thumbsup: