somebodyelse Messages 15 Reaction score 3 Thread starter Jul 10, 2015 #1 Are there any explanations, theoretical or otherwise, as to why the Earth has a tilt (causing the seasons) while the moon does not?
Are there any explanations, theoretical or otherwise, as to why the Earth has a tilt (causing the seasons) while the moon does not?
russ_watters Mentor Insights Author Messages 23,899 Reaction score 11,354 Jul 10, 2015 #2 The Eart's tilt is probably due to an impact. The moon is tidal locked to Earth, so I don't think the concept of "tilt" even applies to it.
The Eart's tilt is probably due to an impact. The moon is tidal locked to Earth, so I don't think the concept of "tilt" even applies to it.
Janus Staff Emeritus Science Advisor Homework Helper Insights Author Gold Member Messages 3,773 Reaction score 1,991 Jul 10, 2015 #3 The moon does have a tilt of ~6.6 degrees to its orbital plane around the Earth, and ~1.5 degrees to the ecliptic. That 1.5 degree tilt produces slight "seasons" on the Moon.
The moon does have a tilt of ~6.6 degrees to its orbital plane around the Earth, and ~1.5 degrees to the ecliptic. That 1.5 degree tilt produces slight "seasons" on the Moon.
somebodyelse Messages 15 Reaction score 3 Jul 10, 2015 #4 Thank you. It seemed rather against the odds that the moon would have 0 tilt at all.