What Causes Earth's Tilt on Its Axis?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the causes of Earth's axial tilt, exploring various theories and hypotheses related to gravitational effects, historical collisions, and planetary formation. Participants examine both theoretical frameworks and empirical observations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that Earth's tilt may be explained by Einstein's theory of gravity, proposing that the sun's mass bends spacetime, influencing Earth's rotation.
  • Another participant disagrees with the initial claim, noting that smaller planets like Mercury and Jupiter have different axial tilts, which complicates the argument based on size and gravitational influence.
  • A different perspective is presented, stating that Earth's tilt is likely the result of a significant collision with a Mars-sized object early in its history, which also contributed to the formation of the moon.
  • One participant provides a list of axial tilts for various planets, suggesting that these tilts are random and likely the result of collisions during their formative phases.
  • A later reply clarifies that while the curvature of spacetime does not cause Earth's axial tilt, it does lead to a phenomenon known as geodetic precession, which is currently being measured by the Gravity Probe B satellite.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the causes of Earth's axial tilt, with no consensus reached. Multiple competing theories are presented, including gravitational effects and historical collisions.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on assumptions about the relationship between size and axial tilt, and the discussion includes unresolved aspects of gravitational theories and their predictions.

jjjsarnis
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i was wondering what causes the Earth's tilt on its axis.

i was thinking that it might be from einsteins theory of gravity, in which a large object, such as the sun, causes a bend in space time forming gravity and causing Earth to rotate around it.

any info would be great, thanks
 
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jjjsarnis said:
i was thinking that it might be from einsteins theory of gravity, in which a large object, such as the sun, causes a bend in space time forming gravity and causing Earth to rotate around it.
I would disagree because Mercury is smaller and its tilt is about 2° if not less. Same with Jupiter.

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
I think the theory goes that Earth got its tilt from a huge collision that happened to it very early in it's history. This collision with a Mars-sized object lead to the formation of the moon also.
 
All the planets have axial tilts: http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/planet_table_british.html:
Mercury 0.01
Venus 177.4
Earth 23.5
Mars 25.2
Jupiter 3.1
Saturn 26.7
Uranus 97.8
Neptune 28.3
Pluto 122.5
It is believed this occurred due to collisions in their formative phase. As you can see they are quite random as would be expected from a random cause like collisions.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
jjjsarnis said:
i was wondering what causes the Earth's tilt on its axis.
i was thinking that it might be from einsteins theory of gravity, in which a large object, such as the sun, causes a bend in space time forming gravity and causing Earth to rotate around it.
Hi jjjsarnis!
No, the curvature of space-time does not cause the tilt of the Earth's axis; however it does cause a very tiny 'tilting over', or precession, called geodetic precession. This is being measured at the moment by the Gravity Probe B satellite. GR predicts a geodetic precession of 6.6 milliarcsecs/year and there are some other gravitational theories, such as Self Creation Cosmology that predict a different amount, it is a genuine 'head-to-head' contest; we shall find out in about a year!

Garth
 
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