Many people wonder why we do not feel the Earth moving, despite the rapid spinning and orbiting that takes place. The answer lies in the concept of constant speed and smooth motion. The Earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours, which results in a surface speed of approximately 1,600 kilometers per hour at the equator. Additionally, the Earth travels around the Sun at a velocity of about 107,000 kilometers per hour.
However, because this motion is steady and unchanging, our bodies do not register any sensation of movement. Our inner ears, which are responsible for detecting motion, only react to changes in speed or direction. For instance, we feel motion when a car accelerates, decelerates, or turns. Conversely, when a vehicle moves at a constant speed on a smooth road, we typically do not perceive the motion unless we look outside.
This principle applies to the Earth”s movement as well. Since there is no abrupt acceleration, we are moving together with the planet, the atmosphere, the oceans, and everything else that exists on it. Furthermore, we do not see the motion directly; celestial bodies such as distant stars and the Sun appear fixed in the sky from our perspective. It is only through scientific measurements and observations, such as the rising and setting of the stars or the timing of day and night, that we understand the Earth is in continuous motion.
