2007-01-16 02:20:53 · 7 answers · asked by k_ann_kenny 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Actually it DOES/IS spinning off its axis.....
If by your question you mean why doesn't the earth wobble.
It actually is wobbling on its axis of rotation. however it is a very slow wobble. And can only be observed thru astronomy. At this point in time the North Pole is presently pointing towards Polaris or the north star.
This has not always been the case, nor will it stay this way either.
Because of the 26,000 year precession (wobble) of the Earth's axis, the pole of the sky is slowly moving closer to Polaris, and then when the separation hits about 14 minutes of arc around the year 2105 will start to pull away.
2007-01-19 06:12:16 · answer #1 · answered by j_mcard1e 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spin off onto what? The axis is simply the point around which the planets revolves, it can't spin "off it". Slow down or stop in many millions of years, probably.
2007-01-16 02:27:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Planet earth does spin on its axis of rotation. What is not consistent with the spin of our planet is the magnetic field that is formed due to rotation (Coriolis Force). One would expect the rotation of axial spin to be the same as that of magnetic field, but as I remember, the magnetic field of rotation is actually about 1200 miles from that of axis of rotation. There is a specific reason for this. It is found in the formation of a magnet.
As you have likely noted, when a stable magnet is broken in half, each half forms a completely new magnet having north and south poles. In order for our planet to have a complete magnet it must have poles of equal value attached to each other. Because these lines of force cannot pass through the center of our planet, magnetic lines from as closely to the center of our planet as possible, yet they do not form directly through the center but at an angle to it. http://360.yahoo.com/noddarc has a writing "The Magnetic Field of Earth" that describes this more fully.
2007-01-16 04:50:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does spin on its axis. It stays in orbit around the sun because of the attraction of gravity.
2007-01-16 02:26:40 · answer #4 · answered by lyyman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does spin on its axis - thats the definition of axis - maybe you're asking why its tilted?
2007-01-16 06:27:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The earth's gravity along with the sun and moon's keep the earth on a constant axis and orbit.
2007-01-16 02:29:44 · answer #6 · answered by tHEwISE 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What?
2007-01-16 02:34:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋