What would happen to the earth if both the sun and the moon were to disappear instantly?

Answer 1

Earth would become colder and fly off into space in a (mostly) straight line. It would also spin much faster due to the loss of tides (source).

Since the sun and the moon provide almost all the gravitational pull on earth, the earth would fly off into space at its tangential velocity. The loss of tides (which are caused by the Moon's and Sun's gravity) could decrease Earth's rotational inertia and increase its angular velocity, but more importantly, Earth would lose its main source of heat and light. Since wind is caused by temperature differentials, it would gradually slow down and stop.

Sign up to view the whole answer

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sign up with email
Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

Not the question you need?

Drag image here or click to upload

Or press Ctrl + V to paste
Answer Background
HIX Tutor
Solve ANY homework problem with a smart AI
  • 98% accuracy study help
  • Covers math, physics, chemistry, biology, and more
  • Step-by-step, in-depth guides
  • Readily available 24/7