Posted on 12/15/2014 3:22:41 AM PST by SunkenCiv
Explanation: Why do some places on Earth have higher gravity than others? Sometimes the reason is unknown. To help better understand the Earth's surface, sensitive measurments by the orbiting satellites GRACE and CHAMP were used to create a map of Earth's gravitational field. Since a center for studying this data is in Potsdam, Germany, and since the result makes the Earth look somewhat like a potato, the resulting geoid has been referred to as the Potsdam Gravity Potato. High areas on this map, colored red, indicate areas where gravity is slightly stronger than usual, while in blue areas gravity is slightly weaker. Many bumps and valleys on the Potsdam Gravity Potato can be attributed to surface features, such as the North Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the Himalayan Mountains, but others cannot, and so might relate to unusually high or low sub-surface densities. Maps like this also help calibrate changes in the Earth's surface including variable ocean currents and the melting of glaciers. The above map was made in 2005, but more recent and more sensitive gravity maps of Earth was produced in 2011.
(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...
According to the graphic, there is less gravity in India! LOL!
Especially in the Indian ocean.
I think there’s some deep basin there, but that doesn’t explain the low gravity on the continent itself.
There must be a dearth of density right under India itself.
I wonder if the legendary “Lightness of being” attributed to India (Meditation, Yoga, Karma, etc) can be attributed to the dearth of gravity?
I don’t know the numbers, but I’m guessing that the difference is slight.
You know, of course, that this could be a series issue!
Not just series, but GRAVE.
In other times, the reason is known.
So, can we get those times instead?
;’)
:’) It’s always the same — the subsurface has lower density.
Lumpy moon, screwed up probe orbit:
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2006/06nov_loworbit/
One of the moon’s mysteries solved: Origin of mascon basins [impacts of course]
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130530142009.htm
Team solves the origin of the Moon’s ‘mascons’ mystery
http://phys.org/news/2013-05-team-moon-mascons-mystery.html
That’s nice, I’m saving that. :’)
The moon’s rotation rate is 1:1 with its orbit around the Earth, thus showing the same face. This is a consequence of the tidal transfer of momentum from Moon to Earth, iow the rotational energy was depleted by pushing against the Earth; the Earth does the same thing to the Moon, but being 100 times as massive, the Earth’s axial rotation has merely slowed down some. If there’s enough energy left, the tidal transfer from Earth to Moon will push the satellite to the point where it slips into an escape trajectory.
That’ll be one bad crazy day.
The other possibility (and I don’t know the math) is that the Earth will continue to push the Moon and slow down to the point that it also reaches a 1:1 resonance.
Clear proof that gravity is because the earth sucks. . . .
NTBCW “Potsdam Potatoes & Gravy” which would sit heavy for other reasons .....
Hoo Boy...will Beijing and Tokyo be fighting over this one too?
Open question to the Forum - anyone know of a star’s death this morning?
I saw a very bright star out of the corner of my eye while outside, and turned to look at it. It was still bright, but very quickly faded away to almost nothing.
Time was 0547 MST, location was Ft. Huachuca - Southern AZ near the Mexican border - direction was NW - elevation was - I don’t know - 10 degrees above the horizon?
It’s the first time I’ve seen anything like this. I’m accustomed to satellites moving in and out of the sun’s rays, but this body did not move. It just faded away to nothing.
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