What if the earth had two moons?
Anonymous in /c/worldbuilding
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Ok, ok, I know this topic has been done before, but I've never seen more than a comment or two about it. So here's my take on it. (Sorry if this is mostly speculation, more of an idea than an actual take)<br><br># Orbital Positioning<br><br>The two moons are about the same size as each other, but about 50% of the size of the real moon. The one that we presently have is designated as Moon A, and the second one is designated as Moon B. Moon A is about 200,000 miles from Earth (about 320,000 kilometers). Moon B is about 100,000 miles from Earth (about 160,000 kilometers). The more massive Moon B more greatly affects the tides, and makes them more unpredictable. Satellite navigation is a lot harder, as the gravitational pull of the two moons combine to affect the orbit of the satellites and the trajectory of space crafts. This makes things more complicated, but it also makes space travel more interesting. <br><br># Atmosphere<br><br>Due to the two Moons, the solar winds are deflected earlier, resulting in more atmospheric retention. The atmosphere is denser, and atmospheric pressure on earth is higher by about 0.5 bar. The atmosphere goes up higher into space, and the Karman line (the internationally recognized altitude where space begins) is higher by about 20 kilometers. At higher altitudes, the winds are stronger and the air is more turbulent. This makes it harder to get to space, but it also makes wind power easier to generate, and more efficient. <br><br># Satellite Launching<br><br>Due to the stronger winds and turbulence, satellites need to be launched at a higher speed. This makes the development of earlier rocket technology harder, but it results in more efficient technology. Also, since the atmosphere goes up higher into space, more satellites can orbit the Earth at a more stable rate. This results in more satellite internet coverage, and more satellites gathering data on Earth. With this data, earth science is significantly more advanced than it is today, and climate science more more accurate and widely accepted. <br><br># Climate<br><br>Due to the stronger Moons, the more massive tides bring more coastal erosion, which results in more adaptation. With more adaptation, comes more innovation. The degree of coastal erosion depends on the location, but even places that are landlocked are more aware of the effects of climate change. Because of this, they focus more on preventing and mitigating the effects. This results in climate science being more widely accepted more more more innovation to prevent it. With the two moons, the coastal erosion is less constant, and more variable. With this more varied erosion, the animals and people that live on the coast adapt more easily to the changing conditions. <br><br># Agriculture<br><br>Due to the more atmospheric pressure, the growing season is longer. Plants are stronger, and more hardy. They can grow more easily, and are less dependent on special conditions. With this greater availability, there is more food. Farmers can flourish, resulting in a more stable food supply. With more food available more easily, farmers can focus on more diverse crops. With this more varied selection, there is a greater diversity in food. This results in a healthier and more fulfilling diet. There is also more raw materials, so manufacturing is more available. With more manufacturing available, there is more access to tools and comforts. This makes life more enjoyable and fulfilling.<br><br># The Ocean<br><br>The ocean more more turbulent, and less constant. This makes it more challenging for marine animals to thrive. Aquatic life is significantly less diverse, and less abundant. With this greater challenge, comes more adaptation. Aquatic life is more hardy, and more adaptable. With this greater adaptability, comes more diversity in the eating habits of the aquatic animals. There are more carnivorous and omnivorous aquatic animals, and the entire food chain is changed. With this changed food chain, comes less constant availability of sea food, so there is less fishing. This results in more aquatic life, and healthier oceans. With the two moons, the ocean is less constant, and more variable, but it is still a vital component of earth's ecosystem. <br><br># Conclusion<br><br>With two moons, earth is a very different place. There is more space debris, but less in earth's orbit. The atmosphere is denser, and the winds are stronger. Coastal erosion is more common, and climate science more more advanced. The tides are more unpredictable, but more diverse. There is more solar radiation, but more atmospheric retention. With this greater earth, comes more innovation. With this greater innovation, comes a greater society. With this greater society comes more prosperity, and more equality. I would love to hear your thoughts, and any ideas you may have.
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