Moon revolution period 27.32, but got 27.53 from equation?

In summary, the calculated moon revolution period is 27.53 Earth days, which is slightly longer than the expected 27.32 days. This difference could be due to the non-circular orbit of the Moon. By considering the Moon's gravitational force on the Earth, the revised formula yields a period of 27.36 Earth days, which is closer but still has some error. This may be due to rounding errors or other factors. Additionally, the Earth actually revolves a distance of 29.53 days in a synodic month, which is longer than the expected lunar month. This information can be further explored through animations such as the one provided by Sumanas, Inc.
  • #1
cnnn
2
1
Hello,

I'm trying to calculate Moon revolution period but always got 27.53 instead of 27.32.
G = 6.674e-11 (m^3 kg^-1 s^-2)
M = 5.9724e24 (kg) from http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/moonfact.html
R = 384400000 (m) Earth Moon distance

From 4π^2 * R^3 = GM*T^2,
got moon revolution period T = sqrt(4π^2 * R^3/(GM))

Earth day in seconds = 23*60*60 + 56*60 + 4
so moon revolution period in Earth day = 27.53

Why it is not 27.32? Is it because the orbit is not circular? But period should be same if R is the semi major axis or the orbit.

If I revise the formula and consider Moon gravitational force to the Earth,
let m be the mass of Moon
T = sqrt(4π^2 * R^3/(G(M+m)))
the moon revolution period in Earth day = 27.36, a bit closer but still some error (rounding error?)
 
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  • #2
Consider how far the Earth revolves in the lunar month?
 
  • #3
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1. What is the moon's revolution period?

The moon's revolution period is the time it takes for the moon to complete one orbit around the Earth, which is approximately 27.32 days.

2. Why does the equation give a different result for the moon's revolution period?

The equation used to calculate the moon's revolution period is based on idealized conditions and assumes a perfectly circular orbit. In reality, the moon's orbit is slightly elliptical and affected by various factors such as the gravitational pull of other celestial bodies, leading to a slight difference in the calculated period.

3. How is the moon's revolution period measured?

The moon's revolution period is measured by tracking the moon's position in the sky over a period of time and calculating the time it takes for it to return to the same position relative to the Earth.

4. Has the moon's revolution period always been the same?

No, the moon's revolution period has changed over time due to various factors such as tidal forces and the gradual slowing down of the Earth's rotation. However, the difference is very small and not noticeable in our lifetime.

5. Can the moon's revolution period change in the future?

Yes, the moon's revolution period can continue to change in the future due to various factors such as the gravitational pull of other celestial bodies and potential changes in the Earth's rotation. However, these changes are very gradual and may not be noticeable in our lifetime.

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