What Percent of the Total Mass in the Solar System is Comprised of the Sun?

The Sun's mass makes up about 99.86 percent of the mass in our solar system. It's diameter is about 865,000 miles (1,392,000 kilometers) — that diameter could wrap around the Earth 109 times. 98 percent of the star's mass is made up of helium and hydrogen.

More Planetary Facts:

• The Sun is about 93 million miles (149.6 million kilometers) from Earth, but takes just a little more than eight minutes for the Sun's light to reach Earth.


• The largest planet in our solar system is Jupiter — by volume, 1,000 Earths would fit inside Jupiter. Jupiter's diameter is about a tenth of the Sun's at 88,846 miles (142,984 kilometers).


• Saturn is the second largest planet in our solar system, but it's less dense than any other planet. In fact, it density would allow it to float if you had a body of water large enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percent of the solar system's total mass is made up by the Sun?

According to NASA, the Sun comprises about 99.86% of the total mass of the solar system. This staggering percentage underscores the Sun's dominance in terms of mass, with the remaining fraction made up by planets, asteroids, comets, and other celestial bodies.

How does the mass of the Sun compare to that of the planets?

The mass of the Sun is so immense that it dwarfs all the planets combined. Jupiter, the largest planet, is only 0.1% of the solar system's total mass, a minuscule amount compared to the Sun. All the other planets, when added together, still constitute less than 0.2% of the solar system's mass.

Why is the Sun's mass so important for the solar system?

The Sun's mass is crucial because it generates a strong gravitational pull that keeps the solar system's planets and other objects in orbit. Without this gravitational force, the planets would not revolve around the Sun in stable paths, and the solar system as we know it would not exist.

Does the Sun's mass change over time?

Yes, the Sun's mass does change over time. It loses mass through the process of nuclear fusion, which powers the Sun, and through the solar wind, which carries particles away. However, this mass loss is minuscule compared to the Sun's total mass and has little effect on its gravitational dominance in the solar system.

How do scientists determine the mass of the Sun?

Scientists determine the mass of the Sun using the laws of physics, particularly Newton's law of gravitation. By observing the orbits of planets and applying these laws, they can calculate the Sun's mass based on the gravitational influence it exerts on the planets and other objects in the solar system.

What would happen if the Sun's mass significantly decreased?

If the Sun's mass significantly decreased, it would weaken its gravitational pull, potentially leading to unstable orbits for the planets. This could result in planets drifting away or colliding with each other. Additionally, a decrease in mass could affect the Sun's internal pressure and temperature, altering its lifecycle and the conditions on Earth.