Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the estimated timeline for when Earth will become tidelocked to the Sun. Participants are exploring calculations and models related to this phenomenon, considering both theoretical and practical implications.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant presents a calculation suggesting Earth may tidelock to the Sun approximately 5.5 billion years after the formation of the solar system, questioning its reasonableness.
- Another participant expresses concern about the implications of tidelocking, suggesting that it could lead to extreme conditions on Earth in about a billion years.
- A later post notes that the inner edge of the habitable zone (HZ) may also shift beyond Earth's orbit around the same time, potentially exacerbating the situation.
- One participant updates their findings with a different source indicating a much longer timescale of 480 billion years for tidelocking, expressing confusion over the significant discrepancy between the two estimates.
- The same participant acknowledges that both estimates are rough and do not account for the gravitational influences of other planets, which could affect the calculations.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the timeline for tidelocking, as there are competing estimates of 5.5 billion years and 480 billion years, leading to uncertainty and confusion regarding the calculations.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include the lack of consideration for the gravitational effects of other planets in the calculations, which may significantly influence the estimates provided.