What is weight on different planets?
Our weight on Earth is determined by the planet’s gravitational pull. However, if you were on another planet, your weight would be different. This is because each planet has its own gravitational force, which differs from Earth’s. With the Weight on Different Planets Calculator, you can find out how much you would weigh on various celestial bodies in the Solar System.
How does gravity affect weight?
The weight of an object is determined by the formula:
where is the weight of the object, is the mass of the object, and is the acceleration due to gravity on the planet’s surface. On Earth, the value of is approximately , which corresponds to , but on other planets, it can be significantly different. For example, on the Moon, this value is less than one-fifth of Earth’s (), which makes your weight there considerably less.
Influence of planets on weight
Mercury
Mercury is the smallest planet in the Solar System and is closest to the Sun. The acceleration due to gravity on Mercury is approximately . This means that a person weighing 70 kg would weigh about on Mercury.
Venus
Venus has a size and mass that are similar to Earth’s, which makes its gravitational pull quite similar to Earth’s — . Therefore, your weight on Venus would be only slightly less than your weight on Earth ( for a 70 kg mass).
Moon
The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite. Its gravity is approximately , making your weight there about for a 70 kg mass, significantly less than earth’s weight.
Mars
Mars, known as the “Red Planet,” attracts much attention due to the possibilities of colonization. Its gravity is about . This means that on Mars, you would weigh for the same 70 kg mass.
Jupiter
Jupiter, the largest planet in the Solar System, has a substantial gravitational field— . The weight on Jupiter would be about 2.5 times greater than on Earth. However, due to the absence of a solid surface, this is a hypothetical calculation. If there were a surface, a 70 kg person would weigh around .
Saturn
While Saturn is enormous in size, its density is relatively low because of its gaseous nature. Its gravity is slightly less than Jupiter’s, approximately , translating to for a 70 kg mass.
Uranus and Neptune
Uranus and Neptune are ice giants. The acceleration due to gravity on Uranus is ( for a 70 kg mass), while on Neptune it is slightly higher — ( for a 70 kg mass).
Pluto
Though Pluto was demoted to a dwarf planet status, it still remains part of our calculation. The acceleration due to gravity on Pluto is . On Pluto, a 70 kg person would weigh only about .
Examples of Calculations
Consider a few examples for a person with a mass of 70 kg:
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On the Moon:
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On Mars:
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On Jupiter:
Notes
- Remember that weight is measured in Newtons while mass is in kilograms.
- Gravity varies not only from planet to planet but also from one location on the planet to another, although these fluctuations are mostly insignificant.
- On some planets, due to environmental conditions and lack of a solid surface, it may be impossible to personally verify changes in weight.
Frequently asked questions
How to find mass if weight on Mars is known?
To find mass using the known weight on Mars, divide the weight by the gravitational acceleration on Mars. For example, if the weight is :
What would the weight be on Mars if it’s 1 kg on Earth?
On Earth, 1 kg of mass corresponds to of weight. On Mars, with gravity , the weight would be:
Why is it impossible to weigh oneself on Jupiter?
Jupiter does not have a solid surface; it is mostly composed of gases, making it impossible to directly measure a person’s weight.
Does mass change on other planets?
No, mass remains constant because it does not depend on gravity. It is the amount of matter in the body. Mass will always be the same, regardless of the location.
Can this calculator be used for dwarf planets?
Yes, theoretically, calculations can be made for dwarf planets if their gravity is known. For example, for Pluto, it is approximately .
What if Earth was situated closer to the Sun, like Mercury?
If Earth were situated closer to the Sun, gravity and living conditions would be different due to stronger radiation exposure and atmospheric changes.