Thats what i heard
2007-01-07 08:37:24 · 5 answers · asked by Leo 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
No ... slower.
The earth is losing rotational momentum to the moon, which is increasing slightly in its speed of orbit around the earth ... and slowly moving away from the earth. (This is *extremely* small ... about 1 1/2 inches or 3.8 cm per year ... but it is measurable ... especially now that the Apollo project left mirrors on the surface of the moon for use with laser measurements.)
The reason for this is tidal bulge of the oceans. The moon causes the oceans to bulge in its direction. But the earth's rotation causes this bulge to be a little *ahead* of the moon. So this tidal bulge effectively tugs the moon along ... which increases the speed of the moon and decreases the rotation of the earth.
2007-01-07 08:53:50 · answer #1 · answered by secretsauce 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually it's slowing down becuase it transfers some of it's angular momentum to the moon via gravity tides. This is also causing the moon to move faster and hence further away.
2007-01-07 20:18:17 · answer #2 · answered by ZeedoT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I heard slower, but that was several years ago.
*giggle* The more I find out about science the more I realize we really don't know f***ing anything, for sure.
2007-01-07 16:53:36 · answer #3 · answered by socialdeevolution 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Leo !! So hold on tight. We don't want to lose you here on the awe inspiring Yahoo message board where all life's problems are discussed and solved. Don't let go, Leo.... don't do it !!!!
2007-01-07 16:53:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is true. I dont know why, but that's what my proffesor told me.
I already feel a little dizziness :-)
2007-01-07 16:44:23 · answer #5 · answered by Dusan P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋