Effects of dark energy on our solar system

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the effects of dark energy on the solar system, particularly whether the expansion of the universe influences the distances within gravitationally bound systems like the Earth-Moon system and the Earth-Sun distance.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the solar system is a gravitationally bound system, suggesting that it is not affected by dark energy.
  • Others propose that while dark energy does have an effect, it is trivial compared to gravitational forces.
  • One participant raises the question of the increasing distance between the Earth and the Moon, linking it to tidal forces rather than dark energy.
  • Another participant explains that the Moon's increasing distance from Earth is due to the Moon slowing down the Earth's rotation, which leads to a higher orbit for the Moon.
  • A later reply speculates that the effect of dark energy on orbiting systems could be modeled as a small increase in orbit radius, but emphasizes the minimal impact of this effect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the solar system is not significantly affected by dark energy, but there is disagreement regarding the implications of dark energy on orbiting systems and the specific reasons for the increasing distance between the Earth and the Moon.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on specific definitions of gravitational binding and the nature of dark energy, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

Is there any effect of expansion of world on our solar system?

  • distance bet earth and sun

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • gravity of earth

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    0
  • Poll closed .
VaibhavP
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Is there any effect of expansion of world on our solar system?
i.e. Is there any change in distance between Earth and sun due to expansion of world?
 
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No, our solar system is a gravitationally bound system.
 
Nabeshin said:
No, our solar system is a gravitationally bound system.

AND ... is far as is currently understood, so is our solar system and so is the local group. That means that NONE of those things will be affected by dark energy (well, actually, I think they ARE affected by the amount is simply trivial and is completely swamped by gravity.)
 
ok...but the distance between moon and Earth is increasing..what is the reason behind that?
 
VaibhavP said:
ok...but the distance between moon and Earth is increasing..what is the reason behind that?

Something to do with tidal force. I don't remember the details but it has NOTHING to do with dark energy.
 
The distance of the Earth and Moon is increasing because as the Moon slows down the Earth's spin it gains energy boosting it to a higher orbit. This has the effect of slowing down our day and increasing the distance to the moon.
 
I'm semi-guessing here, but I think the effect on orbiting (bound) systems would be to increase the orbit radius R by ΔR/R ~ [time for 1 radian of orbit]xH. For the Earth-Moon, this would be ~ 1 part in a trillion.
 

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