A Moment of Science
A Moment of Science would like to clarify a small point of navigation: the difference between a mile on land and a nautical mile.
Science tells you that you weigh less standing on the equator than you do at the north pole. Learn more on this Moment of Science.
You've tried all sorts of diets, you work out regularly, and you avoid fatty foods, yet still nothing seems to take off those extra pounds eh?
We will answer that question, with a question. How fast does the earth turn?
We’ve been imagining that we’re sitting in a geostationary satellite. That’s a satellite that orbits the equator at the same speed and direction as the earth turns. That means it’s always over the same spot of land, as if it were floating in the sky 22,500 miles up. We let down a rope to pull up some supplies. Will this work? Learn more on this Moment of Science.
Are you familiar with a geostationary satellite? That’s a satellite that orbits the equator at the same speed as the earth turns, so it’s always over the same spot of land, 22,500 miles up. Could you let down a rope and pull up some supplies? Learn more on this Moment of Science.
A geostationary satellite orbits the equator in the same direction and speed the earth turns. That means the satellite stays stationary with respect to the ground. It seems to be hanging in mid-air, if by mid-air, you mean 22,500 miles high. Learn more on this Moment of Science.
What is the highest point on earth, highest meaning the farthest away from the earth’s center? Learn more on this Moment of Science.
The Greeks had it figured out that the earth was round. How did they manage it? Learn more on this Moment of Science.
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