Recently, I labeled all the posts on the blog and noticed something alarming. I only had one post labeled “science”. Meaning, as readers, while you are certainly getting your share of gossip about the Glass Family, I’m not really fulfilling your need for news/gossip about science and technology. (BTW: I have 2 other posts to date labeled “technology” so I’m still lagging behind there also).
I combed the internets for about 90 seconds and found this scientific fact. It’s not glamorous or astonishing, but it goes nicely with my other scientific post. Here goes...
Scientist’s say the Moon's orbit is getting larger, at a rate of about 3.8 centimeters per year. (The Moon's orbit has a radius of 384,000 km.) The reason for the increase is that the Moon raises tides on the Earth (duh). Because the side of the Earth that faces the Moon is closer, it feels a stronger pull of gravity than the center of the Earth. Similarly, the part of the Earth facing away from the Moon feels less gravity than the center of the Earth. This effect stretches the Earth a bit, making it a little bit oblong.
It is expected that in 15 billion years (way long time), the orbit will stabilize at 1.6 times its present size, and the Earth day will be 55 days long equal to the time it will take the Moon to orbit the Earth. (Insert joke here about how you thought your days at work were long enough already.)
Don't hold your breath for any posts labeled "math" or "English lit" any time soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment