Technically Arlo is right, but the effect is so small at walking speed that it is practically nonexistent. But this is the reason that spacecraft are usually launched eastward. It takes less energy to get it into orbit .
Without understanding you might think if you jumped high enough so you came down a minute later the Earth would rotate beneath you. [25,000 mile circumference at the equator, rotating once in (almost) 24 hours, is approximately 1,000 miles per hour, or 16 and 2/3 miles per minute, so five such jumps and I’m 80 plus miles away west of here.] The problem is we think of ourselves as OTHER than the Earth. We’re not, we are a tiny part of the Earth, just as any other feature of the Earth, the Grand Canyon, the Mississippi River, Mount Everest, or a grain of sand on the beach. We are Earth! Treat yourself carefully.
I leave it as an exercise for the reader to determine whether the jump’s acceleration, heat generated, rapid air pressure change, airlessness of space, reentry heat, or sudden stop at the end killed you.
Ahuehuete over 1 year ago
Janis seems “dissatisfied” again.
Da'Dad over 1 year ago
With apologies to J. R. R. Tolkien, Treebeard liked heading South because to him it somehow felt like he was walking downhill.
pearlsbs over 1 year ago
Technically Arlo is right, but the effect is so small at walking speed that it is practically nonexistent. But this is the reason that spacecraft are usually launched eastward. It takes less energy to get it into orbit .
nosirrom over 1 year ago
Just keep walking east and you’ll get home eventually.
rrogersthegreat over 1 year ago
I don’t see a pun here. However, I do think Arlo’s eyes are so large, it looks like he’s trippin’.
Just-me over 1 year ago
Yeah, I know someone like Arlo…
mrsdonaldson over 1 year ago
Walking back is better downhill.
MRBLUESKY529 over 1 year ago
Another reminder for Janis that she married an idiot.
Saddenedby Premium Member over 1 year ago
I agree with “nosirrom” you just have to be prepared to get a little wet AND spend just a few nights away from home. BUT what an adventure!!!!!!
JoHo Premium Member over 1 year ago
Does this mean when they stop and turn around it will be a shorter walk back to the house?
David Huie Green ForceIsAUsefulFiction over 1 year ago
“‘Underthinking’ is a thought.”
ChessPirate over 1 year ago
“Wow, I do sort of feel a tail-wind!”
“Careful dear, if you lose any more weight, you’ll get thrown off the Earth!” ☺
poppacapsmokeblower over 1 year ago
Without understanding you might think if you jumped high enough so you came down a minute later the Earth would rotate beneath you. [25,000 mile circumference at the equator, rotating once in (almost) 24 hours, is approximately 1,000 miles per hour, or 16 and 2/3 miles per minute, so five such jumps and I’m 80 plus miles away west of here.] The problem is we think of ourselves as OTHER than the Earth. We’re not, we are a tiny part of the Earth, just as any other feature of the Earth, the Grand Canyon, the Mississippi River, Mount Everest, or a grain of sand on the beach. We are Earth! Treat yourself carefully.
I leave it as an exercise for the reader to determine whether the jump’s acceleration, heat generated, rapid air pressure change, airlessness of space, reentry heat, or sudden stop at the end killed you.
DawnQuinn1 over 1 year ago
So what else is new? She has been that way for months.
KEA over 1 year ago
I usually try to walk into the wind on the way out, so it’s at my back when I’m returning.
Happy Tinkerbelle Premium Member over 1 year ago
“I always like going South, somehow it feels like going downhill.” Treebeard
gammaguy over 1 year ago
He wasn’t overthinking it; he was underthinking it.
Hardly the first time, and I see no struggle in her noting the fact and his acknowledging the same.
In fact, I would interpret his grin in the last panel as an awareness of what her response would be.
crazeekatlady over 1 year ago
Janis, You nailed it!!! I know what you are thinking.
Hue SL over 1 year ago
Just go all the way around.