In one of Arthur Clarke's books (one of those written as a followup to his 2001), the "aliens" did indeed ignite fusion (fission?) in Jupiter and turned it into a second sun.

After reading that novel, I've always wondered if it would be possible, and if so, how would that second sun affect plant, animal, and human life on Earth?

Originally posted by wolfbitch
In one of Arthur Clarke's books (one of those written as a followup to his 2001), the "aliens" did indeed ignite fusion (fission?) in Jupiter and turned it into a second sun.

After reading that novel, I've always wondered if it would be possible, and if so, how would that second sun affect plant, animal, and human life on Earth?

Jupiter is not massive enough to ignite fusion. It would have to be about 75 times more massive. To say that it's a failed star is incorrect. It's a typical gas giant planet, and astronomers have found lots of exoplanets larger than Jupiter.

To the OP.
Thank you for providing me with my new desktop background.

Absolutely breath-taking!

I wish ATS had more of this kind of thing than the constant barrage of political-based attacks and loon stories. This picture is truly amazing and solidifies my belief that there has to be more out there... intelligent life... etc.. there just has to be.

I've often wondered what thunder would sound like on Jupiter.

I would imagine if you got too close that the sound would be loud enough to literally tear you apart.

Nice Post Awesome Image.. Two Thumbs Waaay Up :-)

Awesome view, and as far as having 63 moons, am I the only one who thinks they should have a standard for what is a moon versus a captured asteroid, death star etc.? Our gas giants all have rings, so where is the lower limit for what's considered a moon?

Originally posted by wolfbitch
In one of Arthur Clarke's books (one of those written as a followup to his 2001), the "aliens" did indeed ignite fusion (fission?) in Jupiter and turned it into a second sun.

After reading that novel, I've always wondered if it would be possible, and if so, how would that second sun affect plant, animal, and human life on Earth?

I think Jupiter was renamed Lucifer? and most of the time its just too far away, especially when its on the other side of the sun

The resolution is so clear it looks Photoshopped lol

The universe always amazesme!