🌍 What if Earth were twice as massive?
Stronger gravity, higher escape velocity, a harder planet to leave.
The science
If Earth doubled in mass at the same radius, surface gravity doubles (g = GM/R²) and escape velocity rises by √2 to about 15.8 km/s — chemical rockets would struggle far more to reach orbit. Try both numbers in the calculators.
Immediate consequences (modelled)
Gravity doubles (same effects as the gravity-doubled scenario).
Possible long-term consequences (hypotheses)
A denser planet would likely hold a thicker atmosphere and more internal heat, prolonging volcanism.
Assumptions: Radius fixed, mass doubled (density doubles).
Limitations: Does not model climate, geology, biology or engineering in full detail.
Reference: NASA / peer-reviewed planetary science