Some scientist indicated that the moon does not actually circle the earth, is that correct?

Answer 1

Well, it is all a matter of degree.

The moon's orbit is not perfectly circular, so it is not "circling" earth, it is "ellipting" it.

Then, there is the fact that the Earth wobbles as a result of the moon's attraction, i.e. the moon revolves around a point that is not exactly the center of the Earth.

Then, if one was to project the actual trajectory of the moon as seen form an observer using the sun as a fixed reference point, then the moon is having some sort of wavy orbit.

So it is all a matter of perspective and definition...

Answer 2

It orbits the Earth in a slightly elliptical orpit.
It has also been proven that each year the moon goes a small distance further from the planet.

An elliptical spiral is not a circle

Answer 3

The earth and moon both orbit the center of gravity of the earth/moon system.
Since the earth is more massive than the moon, the center of gravity of the system is actually about 2000 miles below the surface of the earth.
So the earth is also orbiting this center of gravity, but since its below the surface we don't really notice it.

Answer 4

Depends on your point of view. Relative to Earth, the moon orbits around us in an elliptical orbit. Relative the the sun, the moon weaves around Earth in a sort of slightly sinusoidal path.

Answer 5

said scientist would be right. actually, the earth and the moon both orbit their centre of gravity that is situated below the earth.

Answer 6

Considering how big the moon is we circle each other with each tugging this way and that.

Answer 7

it is almost oval, this site can give you visual and further elaborate.


http://www.captaincosmos.clara.co.uk/mooninfo.html

Answer 8

That is true. But........ It is -not- made of green cheese.

Doug