Quizzes & Puzzles15 mins ago
bullet on the moon
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.If an orbit around the Moon were achievable, (after traveling one hour and 48 minutes in a complete circle), variations in the Moons mass density would cause enough deviation in its trajectory that travel back to the same point of origin would be nearly impossible. In addition the Moon would have rotated 30 km at the lunar equator in the time required for the bullets trip, so your best (or worst) bet would be to shot straight along the equator (from the highest point) or in a slightly elliptical orbit from the axis of rotation (since the equatorial radius is slightly greater).
Even so, I don�t think I would care to take a trip to the Moon for the purpose of attempting to use my own back-side for target practice. But then you would have plenty of time to move out of (or in?) the way. Or if you�re feeling particularly lucky you could turn 180 degrees and step on a stool. Yikes!
Hey, what the hey, give it a shot. From the highest point gravity would be slightly less and a well designed bullet could achieve orbital velocity, although you are probably more likely to get hit by a meteoric particle before you succeeded in a self inflicted gun shot wound.
Just don't use to much powder. Escape velocity is only about 40% faster and murder is still a capital offence in some countries. Execution squads rarely miss!
I'm offering a million lbs. to the first person to fire a bullet that manages to orbit the Moon twice before striking the surface. I don't have the cash yet but my chances of winning the lottery are much more likely.