How Much Does the Universe Cost?
Friend, if we conservatively tally up the planets, stars, galaxies and other contents of the observable universe, the total net worth comes out to at least $10 centillion. That‘s far more zeros than I can write here! Of course, the full value of our amazing cosmos extends far beyond any dollar amount. Join me on a thought-provoking tour as we explore methodologies for valuing portions of our vast universe.
Valuing the Galaxies
Current astrophysical models suggest there are at least 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe. Our own Milky Way galaxy contains over 100 billion stars and could be hypothetically valued at over $500 billion just based on the cosmic real estate and resources tied up in its star systems and planets. Now, not every galaxy matches the Milky Way of course. But even if we assume just 10% of galaxies host similar values, when extrapolated across hundreds of billions of galaxies, we quickly reach dollar amounts in the sextillions (that‘s a 1 followed by 21 zeros).
In fact, a 2016 study published in Astrophysical Journal estimated the total stellar mass in the observable universe at around 1×1023 solar masses. With our Sun valued at approximately $300 septillion based on the elemental components that make it up, the total stellar valuations out there quickly eclipse any earthbound fortunes. And we‘re just getting started!
Valuing Galaxies Based on Different Methodologies
We can value galaxies through various approaches:
- Cost approach – what would it take to construct such an intricate system?
- Income approach – estimated value of productive output from stars and planets.
- Market comparison – analogues to corporations or nation states.
- Contingent valuation – what we‘re willing to pay for existence, aesthetics.
Each methodology produces staggeringly high values reflective of galaxies‘ enormous scale and complexity.
The Worth of Planets
Our Milky Way galaxy likely contains billions of planets, and there are billions of galaxies in the observable universe. Many factors determine a planet‘s hypothetical monetary value, such as size, composition, location in the galaxy, and natural resources present. For an Earth-like rocky planet in a star‘s habitable zone with liquid water, oxygen atmosphere and organic compounds, even a conservative valuation might be around $5 quadrillion. For more exotic gas giants, estimates could reach $50 quadrillion or more.
A 2016 NASA study indicated at least 200 billion potentially habitable planets just in our galaxy. With billions of galaxies, even at conservative valuations of several quadrillion dollars per planet, we quickly reach astronomical totals. The planets represent immense real estate value in terms of land area and living space, not to mention compounds and elements crucial to supporting life.
Estimated Economic Value of Key Planet Types
| Planet Type | Estimated Value |
| Earth-like rocky planet in habitable zone | $5 quadrillion |
| Gas giant planet (Jupiter-like) | $15 quadrillion |
| High metallicity planet with heavy elements | $25 quadrillion |
| Ocean world with global water reserves | $10 quadrillion |
Accounting for Black Holes
At the center of most massive galaxies, supermassive black holes can equal billions of solar masses. Their immense gravity and energetic accretion disks may justify hypothetical price tags into the quadrillions or more for each giant black hole based on the cosmic resources and energy concentrations they represent. Even smaller stellar mass black holes left by the deaths of giant stars register monumental values in the trillions.
NASA‘s Chandra X-ray observatory has spotted millions of black holes, implying a total count of billions across cosmic history. Factoring in even conservative valuations, their contribution to the universe‘s net worth is astounding. Of course, black holes also possess enormous scientific and philosophical worth as gateways to the fundamental nature of space and time. This qualitative aspect further enhances their value beyond any numerical estimate.
Factoring in Dark Matter and Energy
Based on gravitational effects observed, dark matter and dark energy are hypothesized to comprise roughly 95% of the total mass-energy balance in the universe. While their nature remains mysterious, if we assign conservative low-ball monetary values just to account for their sheer abundance, these elusive components would still contribute at minimum tens of sextillions in net worth.
Truly, the universe‘s value transcends mere accounting. Nevertheless, an exercise in estimation helps convey the breathtaking expanse and wealth of resources our human civilization springs from. We have only just begun to comprehend its wonders.