How big is Krypton compared to Earth? This question has intrigued scientists and enthusiasts alike for decades. Krypton, a fictional planet from the classic science fiction novel “The War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells, has often been compared to Earth in terms of size and characteristics. However, the real Krypton, a gas giant in the Andromeda Galaxy, is an entirely different entity. In this article, we will explore the true size of Krypton and compare it to our own planet, Earth.
Krypton, the fictional planet, was depicted as a lush, green world with a breathable atmosphere and advanced civilization. In the novel, it was portrayed as much larger than Earth, with a diameter of about 16,000 miles (25,746 kilometers). This size made Krypton appear as a massive planet, capable of supporting a complex ecosystem and a highly developed society.
On the other hand, the real Krypton, located in the Andromeda Galaxy, is a gas giant with a diameter of approximately 52,000 kilometers (32,000 miles). While it is significantly larger than Earth, which has a diameter of about 12,742 kilometers (7,918 miles), Krypton is not as massive as some other gas giants in our solar system, such as Jupiter and Saturn.
When comparing the mass of Krypton to Earth, the fictional planet is estimated to be around 3.7 times more massive than Earth. The real Krypton, however, has a mass of about 1.2 times that of Earth. This discrepancy can be attributed to the fact that the fictional Krypton was created for storytelling purposes, while the real Krypton is a scientific discovery based on astronomical observations.
In terms of composition, the fictional Krypton was described as having a thick atmosphere, which made it a planet with a high level of oxygen. The real Krypton, on the other hand, is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, similar to other gas giants in our solar system. It does not have a solid surface, as it is primarily made up of gas and liquid.
In conclusion, while the fictional Krypton from “The War of the Worlds” was portrayed as a massive planet with a lush atmosphere, the real Krypton, a gas giant in the Andromeda Galaxy, is much larger than Earth but not as massive as some other gas giants. The differences between the fictional and real Krypton highlight the creative freedom that authors have when crafting fictional worlds, as well as the scientific discoveries made through the study of our vast universe.
