Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Jessica H on 22/02/2010 15:57:12

Title: Where would the moon be without the earth?
Post by: Jessica H on 22/02/2010 15:57:12
If the Earth was suddenly blown up and destroyed, what would happen to the Moon?    Would it stay in about the same place in the solar system, now orbiting the sun?
Title: Where would the moon be without the earth?
Post by: Spannerman on 22/02/2010 18:33:25
It is my understanding that when something as large as a planet 'disappears', its affect on the atmosphere remains. This means the gravitational pull of the Earth would remain, just as the gravitational pull of a black hole would remain long after it 'disappears'. This means that the moon should remain in the same orbit for a few million years, this orbit will slowly begin to expand due to the weakening of the gravitational pull.
Title: Where would the moon be without the earth?
Post by: syhprum on 22/02/2010 18:38:45
Our moon could be regarded as a small planet much the same size as Mercury, I see no reason why it could not orbit the Sun in its present orbit for billions of years.
There are possible instabilities in the orbits of all the planets due to the gravity of the large ones but I do not see why they should affect our moon any more than any other.
Title: Where would the moon be without the earth?
Post by: flr on 22/02/2010 19:00:39
 The opposite question is also interesting: how Earth would be without moon.

 I found an interesting documentary on youtube about this issue:
Title: Where would the moon be without the earth?
Post by: yor_on on 25/02/2010 23:49:54
"Where would the moon be without the earth?"

I think it would be lonely.
And hopefully it would come back.

I mean, what will happen with romance without a moon Jessica?
I agree, we will have to watch out for that. Ultimately it's about our propagation as a species, and quite serious indeed. Thank you all for bringing it to my attention. After all is said and done, we are the bulwark of science, after us there can only be Noahs Flood.

I propose a MoonWatchers United (MWU), perhaps we at TNS in times to be will be recognized as the first proponents of this noble art. I just need some noble highspirited, ah, person of equal oportunity, to watch it with me?

Welcome to the TNS/MWU...

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