How Does the Sun's Position Affect Gravitational Acceleration on Earth?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the horizontal gravitational acceleration of a rock dropped near Earth's surface when the sun is near the horizon. It highlights that while calculating vertical gravitational acceleration (g) is straightforward, determining horizontal g requires knowledge of the sun's mass, Earth's mass, and the distance between them. The term "close to the horizon" is clarified to mean that the sun's gravitational pull is nearly horizontal at that position. The challenge lies in accurately defining and measuring the distance from the sun to Earth for these calculations. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the complexities involved in gravitational calculations based on the sun's position.
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If the sun is close to the horizon, calculate the horizontal gravitational acceleration of a rock dropped near the surface of the earth. Do the same substituting moon for sun.

Calculating (vertical) g is easy and one could apply the same method to get the horizontal g if you knew the masses of the sun and Earth and the distance between the sun and the earth. My problem is the value for this distance. What's meant by "close to the horizon"?
 
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Close to the horizon means the Sun's pull is approximately horizontal.
 

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