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night_stroller
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If the Earth was forcibly moved 1% off it's current orbit, What would happen to life? How would it be any different from what it is now? Will we die?
Earth's Orbit Change: Impact on Life - Will We Die?
- Context: Undergrad
- Thread starter night_stroller
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the hypothetical scenario of Earth being moved 1% off its current orbit and its potential impact on life. Participants explore the implications for temperature, energy received from the Sun, and overall habitability, touching on both theoretical and conceptual aspects.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests that a 1% shift in Earth's orbit would not lead to extinction, as a stable distance is necessary for maintaining temperatures conducive to life.
- Another participant argues that the current variation in Earth's distance from the Sun due to its elliptical orbit (approximately 2.6%) indicates that a 1% change would likely be negligible in terms of observable effects.
- A different viewpoint notes that while a 1% change might not lead to death, it could result in a significant drop in temperature due to the altered energy received from the Sun, which is affected by the square of the distance change.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing opinions on the consequences of a 1% orbital change, with some asserting that life would continue while others caution about potential temperature drops. No consensus is reached regarding the severity of the impact.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights uncertainties regarding the exact relationship between orbital distance and temperature changes, as well as the assumptions involved in estimating the effects of such a shift.