Can a Cut Planet Become a Sphere Again?

The idea of cutting a planet in half and observing its outcome is a fascinating one that delves into the dynamics of planetary formation and the behavior of materials under extreme conditions. In this article, we explore the scenarios and implications when a planet is cut in half, whether it can become a sphere again, and the intermediate steps that might occur.

Understanding Planet Cutting

Let's consider the scenario of cutting a planet in half. There are multiple factors at play, including the nature of the cut, the size of the planet, and the materials involved. If a planet is cut in half, it will first form into a blob or multiple blobs, depending on the specifics of the division. In some cases, these blobs might merge, while in others, they might remain separate blobs.

Single-Blob Formation

When the cut planet forms a single blob, the end result is likely to be a sphere. The material redistributes in a manner that requires no structural support, thus forming a spherical shape. This is due to the natural tendency of gravity to pull matter into the most stable configuration possible.

Two-Blob Formation

The situation becomes more complex when the planet forms into two blobs. The size of these blobs is crucial in determining whether they will form into spheres or not.

If each half is large enough, it will naturally form into a sphere as per the principles outlined in the single-blob scenario. This is particularly true for large planets with deep gravitational wells and extensive molten cores. If the planet is smaller, the halves might not be massive enough to form spherical structures. In such cases, the blobs would retain their blob-like shapes rather than becoming spheres.

Intermediate Steps and Formation Dynamics

Depending on the method of cutting the planet, there might be intermediate steps where the halves form clouds rather than immediate blobs. This would depend on how the energy for the division is imparted. If it's done by some magical or natural means without adding extra energy, the process might be more fluid, allowing for the formation of clouds of material before they settle into blobs.

Real-World Examples and Considerations

Take, for example, the Earth-Moon system. The theory proposes that a collision occurred early in the planet's formation, resulting in the splitting of a larger mass into the Earth and the Moon. This scenario is supported by the presence of minerals and isotopes that have different compositions in the Earth and the Moon, suggesting a shared but divided origin.

For a planet that is big enough or has a molten core, such as Earth, the process of returning to a spherical shape is highly probable. The molten core would collapse due to gravitational effects, and the planet would undergo prolonged wobbling before settling into a stable spherical form. The exact mechanics of this process and the diameter ratio of the halves to the original planet can be calculated using mathematical models.

However, achieving such a division in reality is nearly impossible with conventional tools. The energy required to split a planet in half would likely vaporize the planet, making the scenario more of a theoretical exercise rather than a practical one.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether a cut planet can become a sphere again depends on various factors, including its size, core state, and the immediate aftermath of the division. While the gravitational forces will work to minimize gravitational potential energy, leading to the formation of spheres, the practicalities of achieving such a division make it a rare occurrence in the natural universe.