Discussion»Questions»Science and Technology» Do you think a few rockets could propel Earth into a slightly larger orbit round the Sun, to cool the atmosphere & oceans a few degrees?
First, the requirement for power and rockets to move the earth in this method is far greater than could be created, or controlled. The cost would be prohibitive, as would the politics.
Sure ... but Superman could decide to do it on his own, as a fait accompli - just like when he reversed the spin of the Earth to turn back time. Didn't consult anybody about that little trick, did he? The jerk.
Durnit. Now I'm wondering if Superman can change his mass, somehow. Or what mass he needed to be able to alter the Earths rotation, to the point of reversing it.
Don did an excellent job explaining the immediate problems that would occur in such an attempt. There are other problems that could (or would) occur long term. Our moon's orbit around us would most likely change too, thus altering its tidal effects on us. That would be a disaster. Also, moving our orbit would probably change the ellipse of our orbit about the sun...again, disastrous. It would cause seasonal changes. Moving closer to the outer planets and asteroids would alter the gravitational stability between the planets that has occurred over billions of years. God only knows what that could cause. The earth's tilt would be altered, which would also cause seasonal changes. Overall it is a bad idea.
Don Barzini 