The Impact of a Moonless Earth: Effects on Tides and Beyond

  • Thread starter Thread starter stoned
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Moon
AI Thread Summary
The sudden disappearance of the Moon would eliminate tides, significantly impacting marine life that relies on them for survival. Additionally, the Earth's axial tilt, currently at about 23 degrees, could increase to around 30 degrees, leading to more extreme seasonal changes. The effects of the Moon's absence might not be felt immediately; some believe gravitational changes would take time to manifest. Discussions also touch on the broader implications for ecosystems and the planet's stability. Overall, the Moon plays a crucial role in maintaining Earth's environmental balance.
stoned
Messages
83
Reaction score
0
No Moon :(

What would happen to the Earth if suddenly Moon was gone?Except no more tides I can not think of something else.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
stoned said:
What would happen to the Earth if suddenly Moon was gone?Except no more tides I can not think of something else.

I can think of something else.

at present the Earth's axis is inclined around 23 degrees

the moon helps keep this angle small

if there were no moon then this tilt angle might slowly increase to 30 degrees, say, and then the changes of season would be more extreme, even harsh.


Also your question is like asking "what would it be like if suddenly all the horses were gone, and women had no breasts?"

it is a strange idea. a kind of anti-poem
 
If the moon disappeared, would we feel the effect immediately, or would we feel the effect more gradually?

Some people think that gravitational differences can be sensed instantaneously.

Some think that we would feel the effects at the speed of light.

I personally think that it would take time for the gravitational field to re-orient and the effects would not be felt for even longer than those expected under speed-of-light scenarios. Perhaps LISA can help settle this.
 
It would be a disaster for marine life, many of which depend on tides for survival.
 
Chronos said:
It would be a disaster for marine life, many of which depend on tides for survival.

And all the moths in the world would get lost ;)
 
a funny & serious response...
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/001027.html
 
Did you guys watch "Time Machine " few years ago?
When our hero went into the future, humans were mining Moon or something like that and caused moon to break in half and huge disaster followed on Earth.Cool :biggrin:
 
Back
Top