Question

How many miles does the earth move around the sun each day?

Answer 1

About `1.6` million miles.

Explanation:

If you prefer, start with the following:

• The Earth's average distance from the sun is about `9.3 xx 10^7` miles.

• The Earth's orbit is roughly circular (I know it's really closer to an ellipse, but it's good enough for an approximation).

• The Earth travels around the Sun in about `365` days.

The length of the Earth's path around the Sun in one year is about `2pi r` where `r = 9.3 xx 10^7` miles is the radius.

`2pi * (9.3 xx 10^7) ~~ 5.84 xx 10^8` miles

Divide this by `365` to get the distance per day:

`(5.84 xx 10^8) / 365 = 1.6 xx 10^6` miles.