How much effect does the moon's gravity/size have on Mars?

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The discussion centers on the impact of the Moon's mass and size on Mars' distance and orientation relative to Earth. It concludes that the Moon's mass, constituting only 1.2% of Earth's mass, means that even if half of it were mined, resulting in a 0.5% reduction in the Earth-Moon system's mass, the effect on Mars' orbit would be negligible. The consensus is that the Moon's gravitational influence on Mars is minimal, and any changes in its mass would not significantly alter Mars' orbital dynamics.

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Specifically, how does the moon's mass and size determine the distance and orientation of Mars in relation to Earth. If the moon was drilled and mined of half its mass, would that have any significant effect in the solar system?
 
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It would not have any major effect. The Moon's mass is only about 1.2% of the Earth's, and losing half of that amounts to roughly 0.5% the mass of the Earth-Moon system. The effect this would have on Mars' orbit is negligible.
 
Drakkith said:
It would not have any major effect. The Moon's mass is only about 1.2% of the Earth's, and losing half of that amounts to roughly 0.5% the mass of the Earth-Moon system. The effect this would have on Mars' orbit is negligible.
Where would the results of these hypothetical mining operations end up? Earth? Total mass would be unchanged.
 
The effect of Earth on the orbit of Mars is negligible already.
 
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mfb said:
The effect of Earth on the orbit of Mars is negligible already.
I'm sure there are some Astrologers who would disagree. :biggrin:
 
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