How Many Moons Could Earth Handle? #kurzgesagt #shorts

less than 1m read

·Nov 2, 2024

How many moons could Earth handle? The main factor is space. Any moon needs a clean orbit and we have to take two things into account. One, it can't be too far; otherwise, it won't follow a stable orbit around us. Two, it can't be too close either, or the gravitational pull of Earth will grind it into crumbs.

These outer and inner limits define our moon zone, a donut-shaped area where any additional moon will have to live. Each moon around the Earth requires its own personal submoon zone, and these zones shouldn't interact with each other. Like runners on an Olympic racetrack, they need to be spaced out so that their mutual influence is kept to a minimum.

The bigger the mass of a moon, the larger the personal space required. All in all, simulations have shown that only a few constellations would be stable. Earth could either host up to seven moons as big as dwarf planet Ceres, four Pluto-sized moons, or three moon-sized moons.

And then what? Tides might be more violent. There could be different tidal systems, and most notably, on some nights, our sky would be adorned with three bright marbles, frequently casting beautiful shadows on each other. Wow, what a view! But...

Khan Stories: Anjali

The Science of Thinking

View All

Bear Cubs Emerge From the Den | National Geographic

NARRATOR: But imagine seeing the park with fresh eyes, and every view a rare glimpse into a hidden world just like this one. A black bear and her cubs, a typical litter of three. For five months, she hasn’t stirred. Even as their mother slumbered, the cub…

Charlie Munger: How to Get Rich During Inflation

What’s the best advice you have for individual investors to optimally deal with the negative impact of inflation, other than owning quality equities? Well, according to Charlie Munger, if you aren’t confused by what’s going on, you’re not paying attention…

Hawai'i's Volcanoes of Life | America's National Parks | National Geographic

[MUSIC PLAYING] NARRATOR: Hawaii is the only place in the US where humpbacks breed and nurse their young. [WHALE CALLS] Born with very little fat, calves would soon freeze to death in the cold waters of Alaska. Mothers come to these clear shallow waters …

World War III: The Devastating Consequences and Bleak Future #Shorts

Imagine waking up one morning to a world devastated by nuclear winter. Outside, there’s smoke so thick that you can’t see the sun. Sludge runs from your taps instead of water, and you survive on rations of canned goods from a better time. Factions of peop…

Interpret proportionality constants

We can calculate the depth ( d ) of snow in centimeters that accumulates in Harper’s yard during the first ( h ) hours of a snowstorm using the equation ( d ) is equal to five times ( h ). So, ( d ) is the depth of snow in centimeters and ( h ) is the tim…

The Fifth Amendment | The National Constitution Center | Khan Academy

Hi, this is Kim from Khan Academy. Today, we’re learning more about the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment. In another video, we’ll discuss the other clauses of the Fifth Amendment, those that deal with self-incrimination and due process of law. But i…

How Many Moons Could Earth Handle? #kurzgesagt #shorts

More Articles