Astronomy/Moon's orbit

Advertisement

Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 6/13/2008


Question
As the moon is leaving its orbit around the earth, how long will it be before we start to notice the effects in our daily lives. Could it already having an affect?
Thanks for your time.

Answer
The moon is moving away from us at a rate of about 1.25 inches a year.  That means that it will STILL be withing Earth's gravity "influence" for about 30 million years or so.

There would be no effect on our daily lives, other than the tides, as contrary to popular belief, the Moon DOES NOT effect, people, crime rates, birth rates or anything else like that.

AT some point about 40 million years from now (maybe), the Moon may break itself apart, and the Earth would end up with rings, like Saturn.

Steve

Astronomy

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Steven LJ Russo

Expertise

As a space science educator in a planetarium, my work centers around teaching people about the night sky and the solar system. I have a strong background in those areas, plus the history of NASA and spaceflight, and meteorology.

Experience

Experience in the area. I have been an amateur astronomer for 47 years, and have been teachng space science in planetariums for 34 years. For 15 years I was a radio and television meteorologist, and for the past 20 years I have been a space science writer for two newspapers in New York State. I am a member of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society and the International Planetarium Society. I have had a number of articles published in several astronomy journals, including "The Constellation" and the "Planetarian". Education/Credentials. I hold a B. S. from Wagner College and an M. S. from State University of New York at Oswego. Awards and Honors. I have been awarded the "Fellows" award from the International Planetarium Society for more than 20 years of continuous service in the planetarium field.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.