Why does the moon orbit the sun?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the dynamics of the Moon's orbit around the Earth and its relationship to the Sun. Participants clarify that both the Earth and the Moon possess angular momentum, which prevents them from falling into the Sun. The concept of 'initial momentum' is introduced, emphasizing its role in maintaining orbital stability. Additionally, the discussion touches on the idea of 'horse shoe' orbits, where smaller satellites may follow paths that complicate the classification of their orbits.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum in celestial mechanics
  • Basic knowledge of orbital dynamics
  • Familiarity with gravitational interactions
  • Concept of 'horse shoe' orbits in astronomy
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of angular momentum in astrophysics
  • Explore the concept of gravitational interactions in multi-body systems
  • Study 'horse shoe' orbits and their implications in celestial mechanics
  • Examine the dynamics of satellite orbits around larger celestial bodies
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, astrophysicists, and students studying celestial mechanics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in orbital dynamics and gravitational interactions.

avito009
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I know that Earth orbits the sun because it has initial momentum and that prevents it from falling into the sun. But does moon that orbits the Earth also have initial momentum?
 
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I don't know what 'initial momentum' is. As far as I understand, both the Earth and the Moon have angular momentum which they would need to get rid of in order to fall into the Sun.
 
I aways imagine the Earth and moon as a single item orbiting the sun
 
dean barry said:
I aways imagine the Earth and moon as a single item orbiting the sun

That is indeed one way you can imagine it if you aren't worried too much about accuracy.
 
dean barry said:
I aways imagine the Earth and moon as a single item orbiting the sun
That's how we mostly think of it. However, the situation can arise where you get a so called 'horse shoe' orbit where the orbit of a small satellite follows a horse shoe shaped path which lies near to the Earth's orbit. There are a number of asteroids that actually do this. See this Wiki link. It is a moot point whether you would consider the satellite as orbiting around the Earth or the Sun. This could be another example of where insisting on classifying the orbit as one or the other is more trouble than it's worth.:smile:
 

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