Astrophysics

User Generated

Xrag

Science

Description

If gravity is what keeps the Moon near the Earth and the Earth near the Sun, what stops them from spiraling in towards each other?

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Explanation & Answer

The reason for the increase is that the Moon raises tides on the Earth. 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.


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