0.0018 degrees/year due geodetical effect

  • Thread starter Alvydas
  • Start date
In summary, the geodetic effect is the gradual change in Earth's axis of rotation due to the planet's shape and mass distribution. This phenomenon causes the Earth's rotation to slow down by approximately 0.0018 degrees per year. It is caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon, as well as the Earth's own rotation. The geodetic effect has significant impacts on our understanding of Earth's rotation and is an important factor to consider in various scientific and technological applications.
  • #1
Alvydas
83
0
Hello.
According to link.
http://einstein.stanford.edu/MISSION/mission1.html
we have
0.000011 degrees/year due frame dragging and
0.0018 degrees/year due geodetical effect.

Could you estimate how these numbers would change if radius of the Earth would decrease let's say 10 times?

I mean everything else (masses, velocities, orbits) stays the same, only decrease the radius of the Earth (the Earth becomes denser).
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


The moment of inertia I, of a sphere is 2/5 m R2, so if the radius decreases and the mass does not, the angular momentum Iω will be smaller unless the rate of rotation increases.

The magnitude of the frame dragging depends on the angular momentum.

The geodetic effect depends on the mass and the orbital radius, so I guess for a given radius it won't change.
 
Last edited:
  • #3


There is another question about geodetical effect.
How smooth it effects the precession during 1 rotation of the satellite around the Earth.

I mean:
lets divide 1 rotation to let's say 4 parts.
Lets say by one revolution around the Earth we have got precession = 1.

Is it accumulates smoothly like 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 1
Or maybe some other way like
1.5 + 1.5 – 1 – 1 = 1 or 1.5 – 1 + 1.5 – 1 = 1
Is here some variations of the angle during 1 revolution around the Earth?
(by theory and by real data)
 
Last edited:

FAQ: 0.0018 degrees/year due geodetical effect

What is the meaning of "0.0018 degrees/year due geodetical effect"?

The phrase "0.0018 degrees/year due geodetical effect" refers to the amount of change in the Earth's rotation or orientation in degrees per year due to the geodetic effect.

How is the geodetic effect related to the Earth's rotation and orientation?

The geodetic effect is caused by the mass and shape of the Earth, and it influences the Earth's rotation and orientation. As the Earth's mass is not perfectly distributed, it creates a bulge around the equator, causing the Earth's rotation axis to shift slightly.

What factors affect the rate of change of 0.0018 degrees/year due to geodetical effect?

The rate of change of 0.0018 degrees/year due to geodetical effect is affected by various factors, including the Earth's mass distribution, changes in the Earth's orbit, and variations in the Earth's climate and ocean currents.

How is the geodetic effect measured?

The geodetic effect is measured using precise techniques such as satellite laser ranging and very long baseline interferometry. These techniques involve tracking the position and orientation of satellites and measuring the slight changes in the Earth's rotation and axis.

What are the implications of a 0.0018 degrees/year change due to geodetical effect?

While 0.0018 degrees/year may seem like a small change, it can have significant implications for navigation systems and the accuracy of astronomical observations. It also provides valuable information about the Earth's structure and dynamics, helping scientists better understand our planet.

Back
Top