How Does the Moon's Tidal Locking Affect Earth's Rotation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effects of the Moon's tidal locking on Earth's rotation. It is established that the Moon significantly slows Earth's spin rate through gravitational interactions, which create tidal forces. If the Moon were to disappear, Earth's rotation would become less stable, potentially leading to a chaotic spin. Theoretical projections suggest that in approximately 5 billion years, Earth's day could extend to twice its current length due to the absence of the Moon's stabilizing influence.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of tidal locking and gravitational interactions
  • Basic knowledge of Earth's rotation and axial precession
  • Familiarity with astronomical time scales and planetary dynamics
  • Concept of tidal forces and their effects on celestial bodies
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  • Research the concept of tidal locking in celestial mechanics
  • Study the effects of gravitational interactions on planetary rotation
  • Explore the long-term projections of Earth's rotation without the Moon
  • Investigate the dynamics of planetary wobble and axial precession
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Astronomers, astrophysicists, planetary scientists, and anyone interested in the long-term dynamics of Earth-Moon interactions and their implications for planetary stability.

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Hypothetically if the moon suddenly explodes (reason irrelevant) how would that affect the Earth's spin (chaotic spin until zero spin?) and my main question is how long would it take for the planet to stop spinning?

Would one side constantly face the sun in the end?
 
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The moon is slowing Earth's spin rate. If the moon disappeared, the Earth's spin rate would slow slower.
 
scifi5 said:
Hypothetically if the moon suddenly explodes (reason irrelevant) how would that affect the Earth's spin (chaotic spin until zero spin?) and my main question is how long would it take for the planet to stop spinning?

Would one side constantly face the sun in the end?

How long? Doubt anybody really knows, although the theory is that the Earth's day will be twice as long as it is now, in about 5 thousand million years time.

It's safe to say, you won't be here when it happens.
 
You're looking at the difference in drag between solar and lunar tides...

FWIW, without the Moon to stabilise it by Earth-tides, the Earth's axis is likely to wobble a lot more than the current precession rate etc. IIRC, that's one of the problems Mars has...
 
How much is the moon slowing the Earth's rotation by?
 
Why is the moon constantly facing the Earth with the same side? Wouldn't the same thing happen to the Earth orbitting around the sun if the moon was absent? Much like Mercury?
 
Gaius Baltar said:
How long? Doubt anybody really knows, although the theory is that the Earth's day will be twice as long as it is now, in about 5 thousand million years time.

Which will be right around the time the swollen sun is turning the Earth into a cinder.
 
Phobos said:
Which will be right around the time the swollen sun is turning the Earth into a cinder.

On the plus side, we won't be here to perish in that era.
 
scifi5 said:
Why is the moon constantly facing the Earth with the same side?

Gravitational interaction between the Earth and Moon raises tides, not just in the Earth's oceans, but also in the rock of the Earth and Moon. As that raised section of the Earth/Moon moves out of alignment (due to the rotating Earth/Moon), gravity pulls back on it and brakes the rotation. Over time, the Moon became tidally locked with the Earth.

And as noted above, the effect is still slowing the Earth's rotation. It just takes a LONG time.
 

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