Vacuum of outer space
Vacuum of outer space
I hate to appear stupid (too late!), but after viewing today’s APOD photo, I have a question. If outer space is a vacuum, why doesn’t it pull our atmosphere away from earth? Is it *not* like a vacuum cleaner, sucking things toward it? Thanks.
-
Chris Peterson
- Abominable Snowman
- Posts: 18185
- Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2007 11:13 pm
- Location: Guffey, Colorado, USA
- Contact:
Re: Vacuum of outer space
The molecules and atoms that make up the gases of our atmosphere have mass, and are therefore gravitationally attracted to the Earth. Gravity holds the atmosphere close to the ground the same as it does you.peejay714 wrote:I hate to appear stupid (too late!), but after viewing today’s APOD photo, I have a question. If outer space is a vacuum, why doesn’t it pull our atmosphere away from earth? Is it *not* like a vacuum cleaner, sucking things toward it? Thanks.
Chris
*****************************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
https://www.cloudbait.com
*****************************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
https://www.cloudbait.com
Re: Vacuum of outer space
Oh, that's cool. Yay, gravity!