What holds the planets and other bodies of our solar system in orbit around the sun?

Answer 1

10

Answer 2

They are held by the force of gravity, specifically the gravitational pull of the Sun. Just as gravity holds people to the Earth's surface, and the Earth holds space stations in orbit, so the Sun holds the planets in their orbits. The orbital velocity of the planets (momentum) keeps them from falling into the Sun, while the Sun keeps them from flying off into space. This combination of counteracting forces also keeps the Earth its current distance from the Sun. Mercury, closer to the Sun, travels more quickly to balance the stronger pull of the Sun.

Answer 3

The sun takes up to 99.9% of the solar systems mass.

So the sun causes us to stay afloat in space.

The orbits ...... also the sun.

The gravity from the sun is pulling us around because of its HUGE mass.

Answer 4

There are two factors that hold us in place. First is the gravity of the Sun which pulls us and the other planets towards the Sun. But this is counteracted by the speed of the planets which is trying to push us away form he Sun. When these two are equal and opposite, we will stay in orbit. If the Sun's gravity was less, we would take off into space. If it was more, we would get sucked into he Sun. If our speed was greater we would take off into space. If it was less, we would eventually crash into the Sun.

Answer 5

Gravity. The sun has over 1000 times the mass of all the other material in our solar system combined.

Answer 6

Gravity. The massive gravitational force exerted on the planets by the sun (and on the sun by the planets) holds them in an orbit around it.

Answer 7

The sun's gravitational pull

Answer 8

gravity