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z-component
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If the moon ever did enter our atmosphere, what would be the first thing that would happen? How would the two gravitational fields interact with each other?
Moon enters Earth's atmosphere
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In summary: What would happen if the moon ever did enter our atmosphere? If the moon ever did enter our atmosphere, it would be torn apart by tidal forces and the atmosphere would be unable to stop it. The closest it could get before it broke up would put the surface of the moon about 6400 miles from the surface of the Earth. The atmosphere is generally considered to reach to about 62 miles above the surface of the Earth.
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The Moon could never enter the atmosphere in one piece. Long before it got that close it would be torn apart by tidal forces. The closest it could get before it broke up would put the surface of the moon about 6400 miles from the surface of the Earth. The atmosphere is generally considered to reach to about 62 miles above the surface of the Earth.
As far as interaction between the gravitational fields, that already happens. It is just such an interaction that holds the Moon in its present orbit. Gravitational interaction is also what would break the moon up when it got too close to the Earth.
As far as interaction between the gravitational fields, that already happens. It is just such an interaction that holds the Moon in its present orbit. Gravitational interaction is also what would break the moon up when it got too close to the Earth.
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tony873004
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Or if you really want to get hypothetical, a rogue instellar planet passes through our solar system, passes near the Earth/Moon, robs the Moon of its orbital velocity, and the Moon drops straight to Earth. Then it wouldn't have time to get ripped apart by being inside the Roche limit.
If this were the case, the Moon could take as long as 1 week to drop to Earth. Even on day 1, tides would be noticably larger, but each day, they would grow exponentially. The final week would probably see many strong earthquakes, possibly violent volcanic eruptions and massive coastal flooding.
When the Moon finally did hit the atmosphere, it would just burn up like a shooting star, end of story...
Just kidding. The atmosphere can't stop the Moon. From the time it first hit the top of the atmosphere, it would take about 6 seconds to make it to the surface before the most violent collision since the early days of the solar system occured. Earth as we know it, and all life on Earth would instantly be no more.
Cool question
If this were the case, the Moon could take as long as 1 week to drop to Earth. Even on day 1, tides would be noticably larger, but each day, they would grow exponentially. The final week would probably see many strong earthquakes, possibly violent volcanic eruptions and massive coastal flooding.
When the Moon finally did hit the atmosphere, it would just burn up like a shooting star, end of story...
Just kidding. The atmosphere can't stop the Moon. From the time it first hit the top of the atmosphere, it would take about 6 seconds to make it to the surface before the most violent collision since the early days of the solar system occured. Earth as we know it, and all life on Earth would instantly be no more.
Cool question
Related to Moon enters Earth's atmosphere
1. What happens when the moon enters Earth's atmosphere?
When the moon enters Earth's atmosphere, it starts to experience atmospheric drag, which causes it to slow down and lose altitude. As it descends, it also begins to heat up due to friction with the air particles.
2. Can the moon survive entering Earth's atmosphere?
Yes, the moon can survive entering Earth's atmosphere as it is a solid object with a strong structure. However, it may experience some damage and changes to its surface due to the intense heat and pressure.
3. How often does the moon enter Earth's atmosphere?
The moon does not regularly enter Earth's atmosphere. However, there are occasional events such as meteor showers or space debris impacting the moon that may cause fragments or pieces to enter our atmosphere.
4. What is the speed of the moon when it enters Earth's atmosphere?
The speed of the moon when it enters Earth's atmosphere depends on its trajectory and the distance it is from Earth. However, on average, the moon travels at about 2,286 miles per hour or 3,680 kilometers per hour.
5. How does the moon entering Earth's atmosphere affect our planet?
The moon entering Earth's atmosphere has a minimal impact on our planet. It may cause temporary changes in the atmosphere and create a bright streak of light in the sky, but it does not significantly affect Earth's overall ecosystem or climate.
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