2007-05-29 07:06:51 · 4 answers · asked by texanbrat_16 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Yes, the moon is receding from Earth at about 1.5 inches per year. This is happening because of Earth's ocean tides. During these tidal cycles there are times when the bulge of ocean water from the tides leads the moon's orbit by about 10-degrees, thereby exerting a slight acceleration on the moon. Since the moon's orbital speed is very slowly increasing, its orbit around Earth grows accordingly.
2007-05-29 07:16:09 · answer #1 · answered by Chug-a-Lug 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the moon is slowly moving away from the Earth at the rate of a few inches per year. Scientists proved this using reflected laser beams.
2007-05-29 07:43:12 · answer #2 · answered by Joline 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yep 1.5 inches a year because of the tides on earth.
2007-05-29 07:15:53 · answer #3 · answered by Gene 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes! slowly but surely, eventually after millions of years it will go out of orbit and become a comet.
2007-05-29 14:50:58 · answer #4 · answered by allthebest1s 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋