An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics · Problem 17.10
Close Binary Star Systems — Carroll & Ostlie
Physics — Astrophysics · black-holes-newtonian
Problem
In 1792 the French mathematician Simon-Pierre de Laplace (1749–1827) wrote that a hypothetical star, ``of the same density as Earth, and whose diameter would be two hundred and fifty times larger than the Sun, would not, in consequence of its attraction, allow any of its rays to arrive at us.'' Use Newtonian mechanics to calculate the escape velocity of Laplace's star.