1 year, 8 months ago
When will the earth's rotational rate slow down to the point that only only one side faces the sun?
The reason I ask is because the top headline in today's local paper, was that astronomers using the Keck telescope here in Hawaii have discovered an "earth-like" planet orbiting a star about 20 light years away. They say that this planet could have water and even life. One peculiarity is that it is so old that it likely keeps the same side facing its sun, so that one side is in perpetual darkness while the other side is always in sunlight.
As I understand it, tidal friction is the main cause for the earth to slow its rotational rate. Has anyone figured out when the earth's rotational rate will drop down so that one earth day is equal to one earth year, and thus the earth will always face one side to the sun?
duenhsiyen
Sources:
Keck scope finds Earth-like planet
As I understand it, tidal friction is the main cause for the earth to slow its rotational rate. Has anyone figured out when the earth's rotational rate will drop down so that one earth day is equal to one earth year, and thus the earth will always face one side to the sun?
duenhsiyen
Sources:
Keck scope finds Earth-like planet
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