2006-09-28 09:28:13 · 12 answers · asked by harveyx01 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The moon's own inertia is what keeps it from falling into the Earth. All things want to continue to move in a constant direction at a constant velocity (Newton's first law). The force of gravity from the Earth (moons orbit has NOTHING to do with the Earth's magnetic field) acting on the moon causes it to curve toward the Earth. The moon happens to be moving at a great enough speed where the centripetal acceleration of its orbit is almost exactly the same as gravitational acceleration toward the Earth. This causes it to orbit around the Earth. Check out Kepler's law of Orbits and you will understand much more completely what is occuring.
2006-09-28 09:45:51 · answer #1 · answered by msi_cord 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
"Interia and gravity keep in orbit around us. However, you are right about one thing: it gets closer to earth every year. Its only a few inches or so a year, but the moon is moving closer to the earth"
Wrong! The Moon's moving away from Earth, not towards it.
And it's simple orbital mechanics that keeps the Moon from "hitting" the Earth.
2006-09-28 11:49:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
the gravitational pull between the earth and the moon is what keeps it from falling down on to earth, however, as was stated previously, the moon is moving closer each and every year, although its a fraction of an inch per year...
2006-09-28 15:15:11 · answer #3 · answered by mcdonaldcj 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Interia and gravity keep in orbit around us. However, you are right about one thing: it gets closer to earth every year. Its only a few inches or so a year, but the moon is moving closer to the earth
2006-09-28 09:36:11 · answer #4 · answered by iam"A"godofsheep 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I think it is because there is a balance between the gravity force of each one. It means that the gravity of the earth is not enough strong to attract the moon (in relation with the distance between the 2) and the gravity from the moon is not strong to make it to get closer... But those forces are able to change the shape of the planet and the moon
Here some info: http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/the_universe/uts/moon1.html&edu=high
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/glossary/tidal_forces.html&edu=high
2006-09-28 09:38:02 · answer #5 · answered by b4contact 3 · 0⤊ 5⤋
It is moving at a velocity just high enough to offset the gravitational pull from the earth.
2006-09-28 09:37:16 · answer #6 · answered by spongeworthy_us 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The moon orbits around Earth because it's attracted by it's gravitational and magnetic field. However this is not that strong to attract the moon so close for collision to occur.
2006-09-28 09:40:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 7⤋
Gravity?
2006-09-28 09:35:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Angular momentum.
2006-09-28 09:35:12 · answer #9 · answered by stevewbcanada 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
its always falling, and the surface is falling away from it at the same rate. sounds stupid, but is true.
2006-09-28 09:37:14 · answer #10 · answered by flowerpet56 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋