Why is the Moon Drifting Away from Earth?

  • Thread starter neildownonme
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In summary, the moon is drifting away from the Earth due to tidal friction, which is caused by the Earth's rotation being faster than the moon's orbital motion. This friction causes the Earth to slow down and the moon to speed up, resulting in the moon's orbit increasing in diameter. This effect is much more significant than the small influence of gravitational radiation shrinking the orbit.
  • #1
neildownonme
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why is the moon drifting away from the earth? isn't it general relativity suggests that itll move towards the earth?
 
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  • #2
If you are referring to gravitational radiation shrinking the orbit, the effect is pitifully small compared to the tidal effects which cause the moon to recede.
 
  • #3
Tidal friction. The Earth's rotation is more rapid (24h) than the moon's orbital motion (28d). The friction of the tides tries to equalize these periods. It tends to slow the Earth down, pulling it backward and decreasing its angular momentum. Conversely the friction pulls the moon forward, increasing its angular momentum, thus causing the diameter of the orbit to increase.
 

Related to Why is the Moon Drifting Away from Earth?

1. Why is the moon drifting away from Earth?

The moon is drifting away from Earth because of tidal forces. These forces are caused by the gravity of the moon pulling on the Earth's oceans, creating a bulge. This bulge then pulls on the moon, causing it to move further away from Earth over time.

2. How fast is the moon drifting away from Earth?

The moon is currently drifting away from Earth at a rate of about 3.8 centimeters per year. This may seem like a small distance, but over millions of years it adds up to a significant increase in the moon's distance from Earth.

3. Will the moon eventually drift too far away from Earth?

Yes, eventually the moon will drift too far away from Earth. Scientists predict that in about 50 billion years, the moon will reach a stable distance from Earth and will appear to be stationary in the sky. However, by this time the sun will have expanded and engulfed both Earth and the moon.

4. Is the moon drifting away at a constant rate?

No, the rate at which the moon is drifting away from Earth is not constant. It is affected by various factors such as the Earth's rotation, the tilt of its axis, and changes in the Earth's climate. These factors can cause the rate of drift to vary slightly over time.

5. How does the moon's distance from Earth affect our planet?

The moon's distance from Earth has a significant impact on our planet. The moon's gravitational pull helps stabilize Earth's tilt and creates the tides in our oceans. If the moon were to drift too far away, it would have a noticeable effect on our planet's climate and could potentially cause major changes in ocean currents and weather patterns.

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