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How Does the Earth's Rotation Affect Us?

The earth’s rotation results in a wider distribution of rain over the earth. Without the rotation, cool air would flow steadily from pole to equator. Warming and rising as it moved, the air would drop its water content almost constantly near the equator and deserts would form in the northern and southern parts of the earth.foucault_blurry2.jpg

The rotation helps change this pattern by introducing an east or west deflection.

During plane flights, navigators must allow for deviation to the right when flying in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere.

During space flights, the rotation of the earth creates special problems, especially in navigating to and from the moon.

Finally, another example of the effects of rotation: if you dropped a golf ball from the Empire State Building with no wind, the rotation would cause the ball to land nearly five inches to the east of a true vertical—proof that the earth really rotates!

Gov. Joseph A. Wright was responsible for the first Indiana State Fair in 1852.
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