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 ...
Wow, neat, maybe a supernova, more likely a meteor headed straight for your face and burning up as it came.
They forgot the first comma, so, even heavier.
I think I went to college with Anne O’Malley.
Man, that would’ve left a mark, huh?
Okay, wow! That’s amazing. I’m just glad that Earth doesn’t actually look like a potato.
This is another great and interesting APOD, Mr. Civilizations. Thank you.
It explains the worldwide popularity of ranch dressing.
Unless your name was Mark. ;’)
At least that one shows more than just Africa!
It’s in our genes.
LOL me too.
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