The Evolving Universe

Smithsonian Institution

How Strong is Gravity?

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Gravity - the force that pulls objects together - may seem really strong, but it is actually the weakest force in the universe.

When large objects in space - such as planets, stars and galaxies - are close together, gravity will pull them even closer.

The gravity in a nebula - clouds of dust and gas - is weak because the bits and pieces are small and far apart.

Psst... the strongest force in the universe is the strong nuclear force, which holds the particles in an atom's nucleus together.