Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to re: Astronomical Unit (AU)

re: Astronomical Unit (AU)
TB — (archived)

We run into the same number size problems we have with Johannes' theories.

The tidal drag of the Earth on the sun is no doubt slightly altering the orbit of the Earth around the sun, but it would be a barely measurable amount. The length of the year in absolute time (not measured in rotations of the Earth) is pretty much the same now as it was millions of years ago.

This is not a cause of climate changes.

The tidal effects between the Moon and Earth dwarf the effects of the Sun. As a result of this interaction, the Moon's orbit is getting longer (the Moon moves outward about 3 cm a year), and the Earth's rotation is slowing.

The natural variations in the sun itself would also completely wash out any tiny alterations in Earth's orbital period.

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