Angular Momentum of Earth Decreasing

[Tax Tom]

Does anyone know for sure if it's true that the angular momentum of the Earth has been decreasing, and that therefore the Earth is slowing down in it's orbit around the Sun, and is currently several "months" behind where it should be, in orbit?

[topsquark]

Does anyone know for sure if it's true that the angular momentum of the Earth has been decreasing, and that therefore the Earth is slowing down in it's orbit around the Sun, and is currently several "months" behind where it should be, in orbit?

I don't know how you could say the Earth is "several months behind where it should be" because that would depend on the time frame you are speaking of.

Otherwise yes, the Earth is slowly slowing down. Most of the reason, as I understand it, is dust falling into the Earth's atmosphere as the Earth goes around in it's orbit. I don't recall the rate, but it is fairly small.

-Dan