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Last Post 3/1/2007 5:05 PM by Isabel Hawkins

The Moon

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Anonymous

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2/28/2007 8:29 AM
What is the closest and farthest distance that the Moon has been from Earth as a result of the Sun's gravitational pull? What other factors are involved? Melissa

Isabel Hawkins

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3/1/2007 5:05 PM
Hello, The moon's closest distance to earth (perigee) is about 363,000 km; while apogee (farthest distance from earth) is about 406,000 km. The orbit itself is elliptical causing this differnce. Most of the tidal effects seen on the Earth are caused by the Moon's gravitational pull, with the Sun making only a small contribution. Tidal effects are increasing the average Earth-Moon distance by about 4 meters per century, or 4 centimetres per year. Isabel