I do know that the moon is getting farther from the Earth. But why?
2007-08-02 08:14:22 · 8 answers · asked by That one guy. 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
yes i know a little about this The Moon is currently moving away from the Earth at the very slow rate of 3.8 cm per year. It has been moving away from the Earth ever since its formation more than 4 billion years ago. During the first billion years of its existence its contribution to the evolution of the Earth was immeasurable due to the enormous mutual gravitational effect.
2007-08-02 08:29:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the "tides" thingy.
At the same time that the Moon is influencing the tides on Earth, and slowing the earth's rotation by a few millionths of a second a year, the Earth's spin is "pushing the tides, and in turn, the Moon, causing it to gain angular momentum ever so slightly.
This pushes the Moon into the slightly higher orbit (one and a half inches higher per year). Supports the Law of Conservation of Energy within the Earth-Moon system.
2007-08-02 15:17:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very nice Nicole.
Also, in our unforeseeable distant future, as the moon continues it's march away from us, our gravity will have a continually less influence on it. So the speed at which the moon is escaping will continue to increase. Until it breaks our orbit all together. And, if we have survived all the natural and man-made catastrophes that will undoubtedly plague us in times to come, life will not be the same for us anyways. As much of what happens on a cyclical and necessary basis will no longer be. And much of life and nature has evolved dependent on those cycles.
~jaz~
2007-08-02 17:58:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dr. Evil says,
The Moon and Earth are continually losing energy to outer space? - Yes, and Yes....hence, by the theory of relativity between mass and energy, both the moon, and Earth are losing mass - if you don't think so, think again.
Thus, the force of gravity, influenced by mass, is continually weakening between the two masses, and the distance increases, and yes the distance accelerates. As per flying away...that's not exactly going to happen, for a very, very long time...you need not consider here.
2014-06-22 01:32:13 · answer #4 · answered by jw 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The amount is less than the accuracy of the instruments.
2007-08-02 16:24:00 · answer #5 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tidal force.
2007-08-06 02:30:35 · answer #6 · answered by Tara V 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it just rotate in its orbit and doesnot go farthre or come closer to earth.
2007-08-02 15:26:40 · answer #7 · answered by roaringlion74 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it floating
2007-08-04 18:47:29 · answer #8 · answered by louis g 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋