2007-04-19 21:51:16 · 6 answers · asked by asadha 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The Earth is gaining weight, via dust and particles form space. I think it is in the order of 1000 tonnes per year, this is still negligible compared to the total weight. (6x10^24 Kg).
2007-04-19 22:30:49 · answer #1 · answered by Labsci 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the mass is reduced then definitely it will reduce the gravitational pull. But the rate at which earth is loosing the mass/weight is negligible.
2007-04-20 05:04:14 · answer #2 · answered by psrmail 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The earth gains much more weight every day from meteors burning up in the atmosphere (a few of which make it to the ground, but not many) than it could possibly lose by sending spaceships on one-way trips.
Even if there weren't any meteors, it would take millions (if not billions) of years of launching spacecraft to make any noticeable difference whatsoever in earth's gravity.
2007-04-20 05:08:58 · answer #3 · answered by hznfrst 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
And, do not forget that all the sunlight that hits the Earth adds about 5 pounds a day as well. Not much, but it adds up over the eons.
2007-04-20 11:34:19 · answer #4 · answered by pezzilla101 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any change in mass affects gravity but the loss/gain is negligible in comparison with the initial mass. (I believe Earth is still accreting BTW)
2007-04-20 05:09:01 · answer #5 · answered by Nightstalker1967 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Correction: the estimated gain from meteorites is 1000 tons per DAY.
2007-04-20 09:38:57 · answer #6 · answered by cosmo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋