Does anyone believe that we have global warming now because the industrial nations have launched so many satellites and other junk into outer space that the suns gravitational pull has now sucked the earth 10,000 miles closer due to less mass upon the planet. As a result we are therefore now subject to more solar radiation by proximity?
2006-12-02 09:59:27 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Environment
No that's not right. Because we are not making the Earth more or less massive and the satellites are (to a degree) symmetrical; the law of gravitation holds that the center of mass of the Earth is in the same place, and the mass remains the same, so we haven't moved any closer.
Also if we were closer to the earth, then the year would be shorter. Also, we would continue to fall into the Sun, because what would keep us from just moving the 10,000 miles closer?
2006-12-02 10:10:51 · answer #1 · answered by sarge 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The objects orbiting the Earth are still part of its mass. The way it works, in physics is that the planet and the satellites are actually orbining each other.
It's just that the mass of the planet is SO much more than the tiny little satellites.
So, the sun wouldn't be pulling on any less mass than if this minute amount of material stayed on the surface.
Also, just because the planet is lighter would not mean it would move closer to the sun. Mars, for instance is half the diameter of the Earth, yet if orbits the sun farther out.
If launching satellites has affected the accelaration of global warming, it would more likely be because of the massive amounts of hydrocarbon fuel burned during each launch. Even this is not much compared to the total amount burned on this planet, but it does contribute it's share of pollutants and greenhouse gasses.
2006-12-02 18:05:46 · answer #2 · answered by Vince M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "junk" orbiting the earth is still part of the earth, mass wise as far as the gravitational attraction of the sun is concerned. The total weight of all the stuff orbiting the earth is a pittance compared to the amount of mass the earth picks up in one month from space dust, meteorites, etc. By your logic we should be getting farther away from the sun and cooling.
2006-12-02 18:10:15 · answer #3 · answered by Flyboy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sure people believe all sorts of things, including your idea. The question you should be asking is whether there is any scientific evidence that space junk and gravity are causing global warming, and you will probably find the answer is 'no.'
2006-12-02 19:26:14 · answer #4 · answered by formerly_bob 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, no one believes in that ridiculous theory. People are generally good and generally not dumb. I hope.
2006-12-02 18:09:33 · answer #5 · answered by SM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. At least no one besides you, apparently...
2006-12-02 18:05:41 · answer #6 · answered by BeachGuy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No.
2006-12-02 18:06:44 · answer #7 · answered by The Man In The Box 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋