Moon is drawing away from Earth

In summary, the conversation discusses the well-known fact that the moon is moving away from Earth at a rate of 3.82 ± 0.07 cm/year. The exact distance between Earth and the moon at the time this data was determined cannot be determined as it is an average value derived from decades of lunar ranging experiments. To obtain the distance at any given time, the participants suggest using the NASA Horizons website and setting the moon as the target body, with options to customize the time span and properties displayed.
  • #1
elistein
3
0
Hi all

It's a well known fact that the moon is drawing away from Earth by 3.82 ± 0.07 cm/year.

I was googling a lot to find the exact distance between Earth - moon

that this data was measured.

A plain number or a link will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Elistein
 
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  • #3
Hi Dr. Courtney

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, I know about the min, max and average distance.

What I'm interested: what was the exact distance at the time this data was determined:

"The Moon is spiraling away from the Earth at an average rate of 3.8 cm (1.5 in) per year"
 
  • #4
There can't be an exact/single value for something that is an average. The value was almost certainly derived from decades of lunar ranging experiments.
 
  • #5
If you want the distance from Earth to Moon at any given time, go here:

http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/horizons.cgi#top

And set the Moon as the target body.

The time span setting will allow you to set the date, time, time duration and time steps for the generated list. Under table settings, you can choose which properties you want to see in the list.
 
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Likes |Glitch|
  • #6
russ_watters and Janus

Thanks for your replies. I'll look into it right away
 
  • #7
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Likes russ_watters

1. Why is the moon drawing away from Earth?

The moon is drawing away from Earth due to the tidal forces between the two bodies. These forces are caused by the difference in gravitational pull on the near and far sides of the moon, which creates a bulge on the side of the moon facing Earth. This bulge creates a slight drag on the moon, causing it to gradually move away from Earth.

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

The moon is moving away from Earth at a rate of approximately 1.5 inches (3.78 centimeters) per year. This rate has been measured by scientists using laser reflectors placed on the moon during the Apollo missions.

3. Will the moon eventually leave Earth's orbit?

No, the moon will not leave Earth's orbit. While it is moving away at a steady rate, the moon is still held in orbit by Earth's gravity. It is predicted that the moon will reach a stable distance from Earth and will no longer continue to move away in approximately 50 billion years.

4. How does the moon's movement affect Earth?

The moon's movement away from Earth has a few impacts on our planet. As the moon moves farther away, the length of our day will gradually increase due to the moon's gravitational pull on Earth's rotation. Additionally, the tides will become weaker as the moon's distance increases, although this effect is very small and will not be noticeable to most people.

5. Is the moon moving away from Earth a cause for concern?

No, the moon's movement away from Earth is not a cause for concern. While it may have some minor effects on our planet, these changes will occur over such a long period of time that they will not have a significant impact on our daily lives. Additionally, scientists are continuing to study the moon's movement and its effects on Earth to better understand this natural phenomenon.

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