Twin Earth

[Janus]

Originally Posted by Moontanman

I agree, the apparent size of the Moon and the sun is an amazing coincidence

It isn't quite as an amazing coincidence as some people think. Because of the eccentricity of the Moon's orbit, its apparent size changes as seen by this image of the Moon at perigee and apogee.


(From Inconstant Moon: The Moon at Perigee and Apogee)

The apparent size of the Sun varies slightly for the same reason, So there is some built in "slop" to the fit. Since Solar eclipses can happen at any time of the year and with the Moon at any point in its orbit, sometimes the Moon is actually a little larger than the Sun and at others it is smaller. When it is smaller, part of the photosphere of the Sun always shows. This is known as an annular eclipse.

[gypsyphyr]

Originally Posted by TheBigDog

This is a hypothetical. It may be moved to strange claims, but I will give it a go here first.



Any ideas on how we would handle such a discovery?

Bill

Hmm maybe I am just literal minded, but everyone seems to be responding to the hypothetical, and not the question 'how we would handle such a discovery'. Unfortunately I think it would be about the same as anything else - some would freak, many would eulogize, some would worship and most would chuckle and get back to work.

[Tormod]

Originally Posted by gypsyphyr

Hmm maybe I am just literal minded, but everyone seems to be responding to the hypothetical, and not the question 'how we would handle such a discovery'.

Good observation.

Which means we should move this thread into social science.

[freeztar]

Awesome, Janus!