Earth's Rotation

Didn't know exactly where to place this, but this seemed like the best possible place.

Since objects in orbit are constantly accelerating, what is stoping us from escaping our orbit around our sun, because we finally hit that velocity, which forces out of orbit with our sun.

An orbiting object is attracted to the distant large object, The Sun, and to a closer, smaller object... the Earth. And to varying but far lesser degrees, every single other object in the Universe.

So, ummm, despite having escape velocity to escape the Sun, this theoretical object might not escape the Earths pull... ummm, ummm, is this what you're talking about?

The Universe moves at a fast speed.

Is this what you're looking for?

Originally posted by formoneyormind
Since objects in orbit are constantly accelerating

If it takes approximately 365 days for the Earth to orbit the sun, and it has been doing it at that speed for centuries, where do you get the idea it is speeding up?

Please excuse my ignorance on this subject, but do you have any information which backs up your claim that our planet is accelerating?

I understand that the universe is constantly expanding, but how does that relate to solar systems?

Originally posted by formoneyormind
Didn't know exactly where to place this, but this seemed like the best possible place.

Since objects in orbit are constantly accelerating, what is stoping us from escaping our orbit around our sun, because we finally hit that velocity, which forces out of orbit with our sun.

Where do you get this idea, although our rotational speed is slowing down due to the moon creeping away from us, our orbital velocity has remained relatively constant.

I think that he is forgetting that the velocity of Earth along its orbit cancels out the acceleration (perpendicular to the direction of motion) that is induced by the Sun's gravity. If the Earth were stationary, it would indeed continue to accelerate......right up to the point when it smashed into the Sun !

[edit on 12-12-2006 by Mogget]

[edit on 12-12-2006 by Mogget]

Uhh - the earth is always accelerating...


But it maintains a constant speed.


The angular velocity around the sun isn't changing, but the cartesian vector is constantly changing.