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Vacuum of outer space
Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2010 1:40 pm
by peejay714
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.
Re: Vacuum of outer space
Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2010 2:12 pm
by Chris Peterson
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.
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.
Re: Vacuum of outer space
Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2010 5:09 pm
by peejay714
Oh, that's cool. Yay, gravity!