2006-10-03 04:13:34 · 6 answers · asked by salt9@sbcglobal.net 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Because the atmosphere pretty much revolves around along with and at the same speed as the planet (not taking the wind into account). If you want to take advantage of the earth rotation, you have to get out of the atmosphere and in orbit, and that is pretty expensive (and actually, that is being done: most rockets are launched towards the east for that extra boost)
2006-10-03 04:18:18 · answer #1 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Earth is about 25,000 miles in circumfrance at the equator and revolves once in 23 hours 56 minutes and 4.09 seconds, so it's revolving at a bit over 1000 miles-per-hour, not 2000. The Earth is a quite massive object compared to an airplane, so Earth's gravity holds the plane and the air around it in position. It uses much energy to overcome gravity. There are 24 time zones around the world. When I fly from Houston to San Francisco, I arrive before I left according to my watch, if I don't adjust it for time zones. In the other direction, I arrive later than I'd expect by my watch. I have a GMT watch with two dials. I set one for San Francisco time and the other for Houston time,and I don't become confused.
2006-10-03 11:48:38 · answer #2 · answered by miyuki & kyojin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We do not launch East, we launch straight up. The rocket goes to an east trajectory so it will be able to achieve orbit. It has to be able to "fall " at the same curve of the earth beneath it. Heading east is a course correction after takeoff. Ever been outside on a day when there was no wind? Speed and direction is relative. Our atmosphere basically moves with us, so a jet taking off flies into the air no matter what direction it goes. So no matter which direction, it takes the same time to go the same distance. If the take off speed of a jet is 300 miles per hour, it will have to achieve that speed in any direction.
2006-10-03 14:39:27 · answer #3 · answered by orion_1812@yahoo.com 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can, by clock time. Actually it's more like 1000 miles per hour. Only military planes can fly that fast, and they can't do it for very long, because it uses a lot of fuel.
They've flown jet airliners into total solar eclipse paths, to lengthen the time of totality. Not for science, just for people to watch it.
2006-10-03 11:22:16 · answer #4 · answered by Bob 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the atmosphere is turning along with the Earth--for the most part.
2006-10-03 11:17:05 · answer #5 · answered by bruinfan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because of gravity
2006-10-03 13:10:48 · answer #6 · answered by bprice215 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋