I’m assuming the “bottomless pit” (the one Dirk intended) would actually be a tunnel that goes through the planet. With clouds in the background and apparently a substantial atmosphere at a comfortable temperature the planet Brewster, Dirk and his Stormtroopers are on appears to be about the size of Earth. We’ll ignore the improbability of such a tunnel actually existing on a sizable planet without collapsing and also ignore the likely high temperatures within.
Assuming the air density within the tunnel is the same as the surface, if Brewster actually fell into such a tunnel air resistance would act as a break. After about 1500 feet Brewster would reach terminal velocity, falling at the speed of about 120 MPH. At that speed it would take Brewster between 32 to 33 hours to reach the center of the planet. Actually, it would take him somewhat longer since the closer he approaches the center the less intense would be the gravitational pull; this would increase the effect of the air resistance, slowing his fall.
Once reaching the center of the planet, Brewster’s momentum would carry him past the center, but not too far. Passing the center, the greater percentage of the mass of the planet would be behind him, with the gravity now pulling him backwards. Brewster’s momentum would gradually slow until he started falling back towards the center of the planet. Brewster would oscillate through the center a number of times, losing momentum with each pass, until finally he would stop dropping and be weightless, suspended at the center of the planet. In a sense, Brewster would “fall for eternity,” but not in the manner probably imagined by Dirk.
OK – Let’s discuss “bottomless pits.”
I’m assuming the “bottomless pit” (the one Dirk intended) would actually be a tunnel that goes through the planet. With clouds in the background and apparently a substantial atmosphere at a comfortable temperature the planet Brewster, Dirk and his Stormtroopers are on appears to be about the size of Earth. We’ll ignore the improbability of such a tunnel actually existing on a sizable planet without collapsing and also ignore the likely high temperatures within.
Assuming the air density within the tunnel is the same as the surface, if Brewster actually fell into such a tunnel air resistance would act as a break. After about 1500 feet Brewster would reach terminal velocity, falling at the speed of about 120 MPH. At that speed it would take Brewster between 32 to 33 hours to reach the center of the planet. Actually, it would take him somewhat longer since the closer he approaches the center the less intense would be the gravitational pull; this would increase the effect of the air resistance, slowing his fall.
Once reaching the center of the planet, Brewster’s momentum would carry him past the center, but not too far. Passing the center, the greater percentage of the mass of the planet would be behind him, with the gravity now pulling him backwards. Brewster’s momentum would gradually slow until he started falling back towards the center of the planet. Brewster would oscillate through the center a number of times, losing momentum with each pass, until finally he would stop dropping and be weightless, suspended at the center of the planet. In a sense, Brewster would “fall for eternity,” but not in the manner probably imagined by Dirk.