How strong is the sun gravitational pull?

If the sun vanished, discontinuing its gravitational pull instantly, how long would it take to for earth to fall out of orbit with the sun?

• Answer:

  If the sun disappeared, for 8 1/2 mins we’d have no idea that the sun had gone. We’d still see it, lingering in the sky above Earth’s day side. As soon as the last of the sun’s light reached us, the sun would blink out and night would fall. Not until that instant would Earth sail off in a straight line into space. Do you have a new question?