What is the barycentre of the Earth Moon System?
The barycentre of the earth Moon system is the centre of mass of the Earth Moon System.
What is the significance of the barycentre of the Earth Moon System?
Through we say the Moon goes around the Earth, it is not strictly correct. Both the Moon and the Earth are actually revolving around their common barycentre.
As such, the Moon and the Earth behave as independent planets while revolving in elliptical orbits around the Sun, but they simultaneously move relative to each other around their common barycentre. Therefore, the Earth Moon System can also be regarded as a double planet system. Both the Earth and the Moon trace wobbly paths through space.
Where is the barycentre of the Earth Moon System located?
The Earth is so large compared to the Moon that the barycentre of the system is located about 1700 km below the Earth’s surface.
