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Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains the Earth’s Rotation

We know the Earth rotates…but why can’t we feel it? On this StarTalk explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice investigate centrifugal force and the Earth’s rotation.

What is centrifugal force? Well, if you’ve been on a carnival ride, you probably know. However, Neil tells us why there is really no such thing as centrifugal force. Find out why you weigh less when you’re closer to the equator.

You’ll learn what speed Earth has to be rotating so that the centrifugal force balances out the gravitational force causing you to hover just above the surface in what Chuck calls “super-low Earth orbit.”

TMC for ek hornbeck